The French defender's incredible goal-line clearance from Michael Carrick remains one of the defining moments in Pompey's run to the Wembley showpiece with Cardiff City.

But while some suggest Distin's Old Trafford heroics in the famous quarter-final success over Manchester United was the turning point in the Cup run, the former Manchester City defender believes it is just one of many moments that sees the famous trophy within Pompey's reach.

Distin said: 'It's not about me or anyone else – we're a team.

'There were a lot of clearances that day.

'It was a good moment for me personally.

'But the game is 90 minutes long and not only two or three seconds.

'I had two choices – to stand there and watch him score or to get back and do my best to keep it out.

'Maybe he was a bit surprised to see me there, but it worked for me.

'Sometimes people see those moments and remember them.

'But it can be a little thing like a pass you miss that can make all the difference.

'But it's not only one thing – it's a mix of everything that happens.'

Distin turned in a memorable performance that day and his shoulder barge on Cristiano Ronaldo infuriated Sir Alex Ferguson when a penalty was not given.

Distin smiled: 'Other people talk about the penalty that wasn't given that day, so maybe the referee played his part!

'I'm proud I played my part in that game, but we all know we could easily have lost that day. That's football.

'Some people have talked about the luck, but I always say you have to make your own luck.

'You can't expect the luck to just turn up.'

Distin is determined to claim his first medal in English football and he believes it will vindicate his decision to join Pompey from Eastlands last summer after listening to Harry Redknapp's overtures.

He said: 'I'm not going to lie – I want to win it for me first.

'I'm sure it will also be a pleasure for the manager if we win and he was one of the main reasons why I came to Portsmouth.

'He has the reputation and the right way of dealing with the players.

'When I spoke with him, he convinced me to come here.

'He was right.'