Barmby has not played at all since limping out of the semi-final victory over Wycombe on April 8, missing seven games with a recurrence of a bad ankle injury that has dogged him all season.

It was feared his season was over but the Hull-born player will make his comeback for Liverpool’s reserves away to Manchester United’s second string at Old Trafford on Monday.

It gives Barmby less than a week to prove his fitness to Anfield boss Gerard Houllier, although he has vowed to give it everything he has got to achieve his dream.

Barmby has twice before lost at the semi-final stage with Tottenham and desperately wants to be part of Liverpool’s big day at the Millennium Stadium.

He said: "If I can prove my fitness I hope the boss will put me in the squad. I’m still determined to play a part in the end of this season for the club. I haven’t ruled myself out at all.

"My fitness is coming along well. I’m playing in the reserves on Monday and there’s another second-team game on the Wednesday. I hope to be able to get a full 90 minutes in somewhere along the line.

"My ankle is feeling a lot better than it was. I have been back in training now for four days and I’m confident it will be okay. It will just then be up to the manager whether he picks me.

"I’m obviously looking forward to the final. It will be a great day out for the club and hopefully me too."

Liverpool’s two other injured stars are also making brave bids to be in contention.

Jari Litmanen is playing for the reserves tonight at Leeds while Jamie Redknapp has had a run-out in a behind-closed-doors friendly with the Thailand squad this week.

Houllier said: "There’s good news about Jamie’s knee it looks to be okay now, it’s as good as new."

Redknapp has less chance of convincing Houllier he should figure in either of Liverpool’s two cup finales the UEFA Cup final with Alaves in Dortmund follows their Cardiff date - but nobody would be surprised now to see Barmby, Redknapp and Litmanen all figuring in one or both of the squads.