A CARDIFF City victory in this afternoon's FA Cup final could spark a huge party in Dorset as local lad Roger Johnson prepares to step into the Wembley limelight.

Central defender Johnson, a former Grange Athletic, Boscombe Albion and Bournemouth Electric player, is set to start for Dave Jones's side against Portsmouth.

The 25-year-old, whose mother, brothers and in-laws live in the Bournemouth area, shot to fame when he netted his team's second goal in the 2-0 quarter-final victory over Middlesbrough.

And he is now aiming to play his part in another upset against Premier League Pompey.

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Johnson said: "They're a bit like Middlesbrough - one of the sides you can beat.

"If it was Man United, Chelsea, Arsenal or Liverpool, people would think that we'd just enjoy the day.

"But we're going there to win and we know we can beat them. We're well up for it."

Johnson was part of Cherries' youth set-up before moving to Pompey, who opted to release him rather than offering him terms as a YTS player.

And the former Wycombe Wanderers player admits it would be nice to get one over on the Fratton Park club.

When asked if he was keen on revenge, he said: "There's a bit of that there and it would be nice to get a win against Portsmouth.

"I left there just before my apprenticeship and was playing for Dorset when Wycombe Wanderers gave me a trial."

Johnson, who has been linked with a transfer to top flight Middlesbrough this season, revealed that cup final day was always special when he was growing up.

He said: "It was always a big thing in my house, it's always been a big day whoever was playing.

"I've talked to my family and we still can't believe it, it's surreal. To be in a final is unbelievable."

As a Chelsea fan, the former Colehill, St Michael's and Queen Elizabeth schoolboy's favourite cup final memory is Roberto Di Matteo's thumping strike early in the '97 showpiece against Middlesbrough.

Asked if he fancied repeating the feat, Johnson said: "Maybe, I'll see what happens. I scored in the quarter-final, so I'll be trying to keep a clean sheet and let the forwards do the job."

Johnson's mum June, who lives in Wimborne, is already getting tense at the prospect of seeing her boy in one of world football's most famous fixtures.

She said: "I'm getting more nervous by the minute. I just hope he has a good game and is pleased with himself either way.

"I can watch a game now without watching him all game, worrying if he might make a mistake. I've got used to it and can watch the game now, but I still get nervous for him."