And he wants Wembley to provide the stage to show the tantalising treat in store for Pompey fans next term.

The real Utaka is itching to get out – and Cardiff could well pay the price.

The flying winger has suffered an inconsistent start to life on the south coast following his £8m summer switch.

Undoubtedly a match-winner, unfortunately those occasions have been few and far between this more. Yet those Wembley wide open spaces should allow his game to flourish in the FA Cup final.

The 27-year-old is a certainty to occupy the right-hand side of Harry Redknapp's midfield, regardless of the formation.

And he's relishing the opportunity to be let loose.

He said: 'Next season you will definitely see the best of John Utaka.

'I still think there's much more to come and I want to start showing that at Wembley.

'My first season has been okay. When you come in here it's a process of adapting to life abroad and I am glad to be here.

'But I am always looking to improve. I criticise myself, I have to, when it's a good day and when it's not.

'It is disappointing when you want to do something, when you know you have to, but at the end of the day it is not working. That has happened to be this season.

'In some games I want to do something but it's not working the way I want it. For me I try to go back on what I am supposed to do. I try to learn.

'At the beginning it was the speed which took adjusting to. The first match against Derby for the first 20 minutes it was 'oh my God' as I was adjusting the pace of the game.

'It took me five games to get that but also it's more physical here, it's not like France.

'I'm looking to Wembley, the pitch is big and that will suit me. I can show people what I can do.'

Redknapp is now contemplating using the 4-5-1 formation, news well received by Utaka.

The system would allow the Nigerian international to do what he does best - focus attacking down the flank.

And he would welcome its return.

He added: 'Of course it depends on the coach what he wants to play.

'If we play 4-5-1 or 4-4-2 I'm still playing on the wing. But in a 4-5-1 you've got more space. The other way you just mind your own position.

'With the 4-5-1 you can go in or go out because you have the numbers in the midfield, it gives me more freedom, and I enjoy that.'