Proud dad Peter Etherington reckons any tension he will feel watching son Matthew play in tomorrow's FA Cup final is nothing compared with the last few days.

City's commercial manager, and chief executive-in-waiting, is just relieved that the winger will be lining up for West Ham against Liverpool.

Like Wayne Rooney, Etherington junior has spent the last four days in an oxygen tent to speed up his recovery from an ankle injury picked up in training.

"I've been on the phone to him most of the week and it's been touch and go," said his father.

"There's probably been more tension over that than anything which might happen at the game.

"Some players go through a whole career without getting near to the cup final. This might never come round for Matthew again so my main concern has been for him to get there.

"But Alan Pardew has said he will play him until it hurts, so now it looks hopeful."

Investment talks between Ethering-ton and Julian Rhodes at Valley Parade continue to progress and both parties met with their solicitors in Leeds on Wednesday.

Etherington added: "Three points need to be ironed out but they are not major ones. The talks have gone well and a deal is getting very close.

"Julian is getting married on June 3 and we expect everything to be done and dusted before then. I don't think he will want to be discussing business on his wedding day."

But Etherington is driving to South Wales tonight to prepare for his son's own big day and predicts it will be one to remember.

"This is the third year in a row we've been down to Cardiff after the two play-off finals," he added. "But the FA Cup is something totally different and the feeling is one of pure excitement. West Ham are a club with massive tradition and the fans will go there not necessarily expecting them to win but determined to party and have a great time. They are already in Europe and they will want to make the most of a fantastic occasion. We're going early to soak up the atmosphere and I cannot wait to be a part of it. It will be a very proud day for the whole family." Liverpool start firm favourites on current form but Etherington is not writing off the Hammers' chances. "Liverpool are obviously a great side and have won 11 on the trot but the FA Cup final never goes by the book. I believe that if Liverpool don't make a quick headstart, with an early goal or two, then the longer it goes on the more West Ham will fancy it. They will go out to play their normal way and attack which should make for an open game."