Ryan Clarke’s father will cut short a holiday in America to watch his son play in tomorrow’s play-off final.

But the Oxford United keeper will not have his mother there – she’s too nervous to watch!

Clarke explained that as soon as the U’s confirmed their place at Wembley, his dad was straight on the phone trying to organise a flight back home.

And although the volcanic ash crisis has made life difficult, Clarke says that he will be there – whatever it takes.

“My parents are due to be starting their third week in America, but my dad is cutting his short to watch me at Wembley,” he said.

“He’s had a real battle with flights – things have changed once or twice, but he will be there. He’s flying back on Saturday in time for the game.”

But what about his mum?

“She’d rather stay on holiday,” he joked. “She gets too nervous watching me play so she has decided to stay out there and is going to try and find somewhere showing the game on television.”

Clarke has been impressed with the focus shown by United’s players since their semi-final victory over Rushden.

He said: “The lads were given a few days off to celebrate that win and relax a bit, but as soon as we got back into training, it has been mind on the job.

“We know it’s Wembley and it’s more than just another game, but we have to be concentrated, focused and at the top of our game.”

Clarke has never got close to Wembley before, and is keen to make sure his first taste of the national stadium is a good one.

“We have a few lads who have played there before, but I haven’t,” he said.

“It’s obviously going to be a massive day and massive occasion for everyone – but it will only be a nice occasion if we get the result we want.”