Carlisle amputee football star eyes FA Cup glory this weekend

Carlisle amputee football star Thomas Atkinson is hoping to lead his side to cup glory this weekend.

The goalkeeper from Belle Vue will captain Portsmouth against Everton in the FA Disability Cup final at St George's Park.

The game is being televised by TNT Sport and also streamed on YouTube and Facebook.

It is a repeat of last season's final which saw Everton claim the trophy.

England keeper Atkinson is captaining Pompey for the first time in the showpiece final and is confident about his side's prospects.

"Obviously Everton are a good side but we know we are a good side so it will be a tough game but a great game to be a part of," the Cumbrian told theeafa.org,

“Everton have had a lot of success in the past, especially last year but we are here to ruin the party and become FA Cup champions and I believe that’s what we will do.

“Everyone can’t wait to get on the pitch and give a good account of themselves. It’s a massive game not just for the two teams involved but for every amputee footballer in England. as it provides a great opportunity to show viewers what the sport is made of,

“Hopefully all those watching will see Portsmouth lift the trophy," added Atkinson, who played for England in this summer's European Championships as they reached the semi-finals, and also plays professionally in Poland for Legia Warsaw's amputee side.

Victory would make it a cup double for Atkinson and Portsmouth, who in March lifted the IKO EAFA League Cup after wins against Everton and Chelsea.

The action gets under way from 10am on TNT Sports.