Having once been refused the opportunity to stage the 2003 Champions League final, FAW secretary David Collins said they have re-doubled their efforts to bring a European final to Cardiff.

Some serious lobbying will be undertaken this weekend as UEFA officials come to Cardiff to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the FAW.

"Realistically we'll have to wait until 2004 or 2005 before we stand a chance of hosting a final."

He added: "We are one of the smallest countries in Europe but with the best stadium in Europe.

"We showed on Saturday that we can host these major finals."

Triumph

Meanwhile, the English Football Association are likely to confirm the stadium as the venue for next season's FA Cup final later this week.

Officials at Soho Square were impressed with the way things went on Saturday as Liverpool triumphed in the first final outside Wembley since 1922.

Now, having rubber-stamped Cardiff for next season's Charity Shield between Gerard Houllier's Cup winners and champions Manchester United, the FA will confirm the stadium as host to English football's 2002 showpiece event.

An agreement is in place for the FA Cup final to be played at the Millennium Stadium until the 2003-04 season, subject to review, and with no problems prevailing a date for next May should be ratified in talks this week.

Prior to Saturday's final, it was suggested that next year's final could be taken to Twickenham if Cardiff did not meet the FA's expectations.

Stadium officials, who have confirmed they will be bidding to hold a future European football final at the ground, are to meet with their FA counterparts in the next few days to reflect on Saturday's proceedings.

Proud

"As far as we are concerned it couldn't have been more successful," said FA head of communications Paul Newman.

"Cardiff and the whole of Wales did us proud.

"They promised us a first-class event and that is exactly what they delivered.

"Talking to the players afterwards the view seemed to be that it was a great pitch and a great stadium to play in."