Frazer Richardson admits "it would be the dream come true to walk out in a big final with Leeds" as he gears up for the Coca-Cola Championship play-off showdown with Watford at the Millennium Stadium.

The 23-year-old grabbed the second goal in Leeds' 2-0 win over Preston at Deepdale on Monday, which ensured the Elland Road outfit are now 90 minutes away from a return to the Barclays Premiership.

"It was a great feeling to be part of the team that has got us to the final," said Richardson.

"When the ball came across from Hulsey Rob Hulse I just thought touch it and hit it as quickly as you can'. It wasn't the best shot but fortunately the goalkeeper fumbled it and it went in.

"It was an unbelievable feeling to score in front of the Leeds fans. They have been great all season and to get a goal in front of them was fantastic. I haven't felt this good before.

"It was a very proud moment but I am sure my friends and family are just as proud as I am that we've got Leeds to the final."

Now Richardson is determined to retain his place in manager Kevin Blackwell's side when they face the Hornets in Cardiff a week on Sunday.

He said: "We will take it one step at a time. We are going to go away for three or four days and have a little bit of a break and then come back as fresh as possible.

"I hope I showed the other night that I am good enough for a place in the final. That's a decision that's up to the manager but obviously I would love to play in such a big game.

"There's a lot of good players at the club and the manager is obviously going to play what he feels is his strongest team because at the end of the day, the aim is to secure that Premiership place. I just hope that some good fortune comes my way and I get a chance.

"I've been at the club since I was 11 and it would be the dream come true to walk out in a big final with Leeds. For me, this is living the dream."

Meanwhile, Richard Cresswell and Stephen Crainey have been dealt a heartbreaking blow after it was confirmed they will miss the final through suspension.

The pair were both red-carded at Deepdale but had hoped referee Mike Thorpe would review the decisions.

However, the Football Association have confirmed Leeds are unable to appeal against a yellow card shown to one of their players, meaning Blackwell will be without the pair.

Crainey picked up his first booking on the hour before being dismissed eight minutes later for a foul on David Nugent.

Substitute Cresswell was cautioned for dissent with nine minutes left before being sent off in stoppage time for kicking the ball away.