CARLO Nash today described his Wembley triumph with Crystal Palace in the Division One play-off final as "the greatest feeling in the world".

"Going up those famous steps to collect the trophy was just like going up for the FA Cup," he said.

The 23-year-old completed one of the most unlikely rags-to-riches stories in English football yesterday when Palace defeated Sheffield United 1-0 to clinch promotion to the Premiership.

One year ago Nash was keeping goal for Clitheroe in the North West Counties' League.

His final match for the Blues ironically resulted in defeat at Wembley in the FA Vase final.

But victory under the Twin Towers yesterday left the likeable Nash in a state of disbelief that he'll be facing shots from Alan Shearer, Robbie Fowler and Ian Wright next season.

"It's incredible, it definitely hasn't sunk in," he said.

"I don't think it will until I'm there, in my first game in the Premiership.

"It's something I always wanted to do, but for it to happen so fast just feels unreal.

"If it is a dream I don't want to be woken up!

"This is just a dream come true." A goal from Palace skipper David Hopkin in the final minute proved the crucial blow.

Nash didn't have a save to make all afternoon.

"I was still shattered at the end of it," he said.

"There's something about Wembley that completely zaps your energy.

"I made one catch and had to punch another effort and that was it.

"But that's good management - we defended well as a team.

"I think the experience of last year - when we were beaten in the final by Leicester - helped.

"Our goal now has got to be what they've done - to stay in the Premier League.

"We had a heavy night last night, a few lucozades, you know.

"But, honestly, I still can't believe what's happened. It's great."

Denis Underwood, joint manager with Gary Butcher at Clitheroe, was just as delighted.

"He's done very well for himself and he deserves it because he's a genuine nice guy," he said.

"It's tremendous for the club as well and we're all delighted for him - it's a real fairytale that."

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