Radford says his team-mates deserve a lot of credit for reaching the final

Hull FC captain Lee Radford admits St Helens will take some stopping in next month's Challenge Cup final but thinks his side are capable of an upset.

The Black and Whites reached Wembley by beating Wakefield 32-24 while holders Saints saw off Leeds Rhinos 26-16.

"It's going to take a very special team to beat St Helens but, with a bit of luck and a decent run in to it, who knows what can happen," said Radford.

Hull will go into the final at Wembley on 30 August as big underdogs.

The 2005 winners have endured a troubled season until now, parting company with coach Peter Sharp and losing several players to injury.

But some will argue they are still lucky to still be in the Challenge Cup, escaping with a �100,000 fine after fielding an ineligible player - forward Jamie Thackray - in two earlier rounds.

"It's a fantastic effort considering the year we've had with our injuries, losing a coach and the Jamie Thackray ordeal," said Radford.

"It is true testament to the boys. To get to a final just shows what character there is in the squad."

I thought both sides looked very edgy and nervous and showed a distinct lack of composure at times Hull coach Richard Agar

Coach Richard Agar echoed Radford's sentiments, heaping praise on his team.

"I'm made up for the players who have had a tough year and copped some flak. They stayed strong," he said.

But he admitted the semi-final had been a struggle despite seeing his side open up an 18-0 lead after just nine minutes.

"I thought the start probably hurt us a bit," he told BBC Sport. "We took our eye off the ball with what we had been working on.

"We had a plan. We stuck to it a bit and got a lead but then we fell away from it and indiscipline crept in.

"I thought both sides looked very edgy and nervous and showed a distinct lack of composure at times, but it was a big occasion."

Wakefield coach John Kear was naturally disappointed at missing out on a trip to Wembley but refused to blame Danny Brough's inconsistent goal-kicking for the loss.

Stand-off Brough missed five kicks at goal as the Wildcats came up just short at the Keepmoat Stadium in Doncaster.

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"Danny wins more games than anything with his goal-kicking," said Kear.

"They almost did it and I'm going to compliment them on the commitment and desire they showed to do that."

In contrast to Brough, Hull's Danny Tickle kicked all six attempts at goal, as well as adding a further eight points with the first two tries of the match.

"You have to compliment Tickle," said Kear. "His kicking was impeccable. It is a sickener when they score out wide and he tags on the extra two without problem. I think everyone is hurting."