DAMIEN Duff is hoping to provide the ammunition that will help Andy Cole clinch a Worthington Cup winners medal - the only accolade the striker hasn't won.

The Republic of Ireland winger scored one and made Cole's late goal - the one which effectively put the tie beyond First Division Sheffield Wednesday's reach to make it 3-1 on the night, 5-2 on aggregate.

And the wideman is hoping for more of the same at Cardiff on February 24.

"Cole's was a good goal. I have been putting those sorts of balls in all season and I have been waiting for someone to get on the end of them.

"I knew he would be there as he's a top class goalscorer and it was a great finish.

"He gets the best out of all the lads and the lads are buzzing with him. Hopefully it will carrry on until the end of the season."

Duff took his own tally to three for the season with a goal three minutes after Rovers' Matt Jansen had tapped home the opener.

The 22-year-old fired in a crucial goal from Tugay's through ball in the 38th minute - but he admitted he wasn't having his best opening 45 minutes.

"I wasn't an enjoyable first half, I was having a nightmare and I felt terrible but to get on the scoresheet and set up goals, that is what I am there to do.

"I am glad to do it and glad that we won.

"Getting the result and getting to the final was the most important thing. We made it hard for ourselves at times but we got the result, we're there, so we are happy with that.

"I wouldn't say the lads were really going mad in the dressing room, the most important thing at the end of the day is the League.

"Obviously it will be a great day and hopefully I will be fit and involved.

"The League is the most important thing, this is just a big bonus."

It is a big year for the youngster who is hoping to be part of Mick McCarthy's plans in the summer while gunning for Cup glory and moving Rovers towards mid-table security.

"It is a huge year for me with the World Cup and all and I hope to be involved but all I am thinking about is the League form at the minute.

"That is the most important thing."

Meanwhile, a trip to the Millennium Stadium is the perfect swansong for Welshman Mark Hughes.

The veteran strikers' contract runs out in the summer and, after two decades at the top level as a player, the 38-year-old couldn't find a better place to add another chapter to his glittering career than in his homeland.

"I am hoping I will get the opportunity to play there," said the Welsh manager, "although I have played on the pitch already.

"I have been banging a drum for the stadium for a couple of years now and now everybody has been there and seen what it is like, they will enjoy it.

"It is a great venue for a major final. It generates a fantastic atmosphere in and around the place. It isn't threatening.

"Everybody should enjoy the day out."

Hughes has won every honour there is to win in the domestic game. Along with two Premiership winners medals with Manchester United in 1993 and 94, he has four FA Cup winners' medals and picked up League Cup silverware twice - with Manchester United in 1992 and with Chelsea - who he could be facing at Cardiff if they beat Tottenham tonight - in 1992.

Despite taking a backseat to record signing Andy Cole and Matt Jansen this season, he is still making an important contribution in and around the club.

He was on the bench last night - but joined in the celebrations as Rovers reached their first final for 42 years.

"I am delighted for everybody involved at the club. It has been a long time since the club has been involved in a major final."

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