JUSSI Jaaskelainen is hoping history can repeat itself when the FA Cup Final returns to Wembley this year.

The in-form goalkeeper is not only confident Wanderers have what it takes to lift the coveted trophy, but he believes they also have tradition on their side.

Having been the first team to have won at the famous old venue, when they beat West Ham 2-0 in the 1923 "White Horse Final", there are those who say they could be fated to be the first victors at the new stadium, which is expected to be ready for the May showpiece.

"We have been told about the history of the club in the FA Cup and it is one of our dreams that we can reach the final and win it," said the Finland international, putting Saturday's third round tie at Doncaster into historical perspective.

"But it's not just a dream, it's a realistic possibility for us to win. You have to say that although we are unlikely to win the league, there's every chance of winning a cup."

Jaaskelainen, Wanderers' longest serving player, says the experience of the 2003 Carling Cup Final defeat can help Wanderers in their bid for glory and sees no reason why the Whites should not go one better in this season's FA Cup.

"It's not a case of making up for losing that final because that's all in the past now. But it was a great experience, the first final of a major competition for the club for a long time and, hopefully, we can take all the positives of that as we focus on trying to win the FA Cup.

"We know it won't be easy at Doncaster. We have to be prepared for a hard game and, hopefully, we will get through."

Although on the receiving end of a 3-0 beating at Liverpool on Monday, Wanderers travel to Doncaster's newly-opened Keepmoat Stadium with their confidence high after taking nine points from a possible 12 over the festive programme.

Jaaskelainen, who is traditionally rested for games in the early rounds of the knockout competitions, believes a less crowded fixture list over the next three months makes it possible to get a cup run going without impacting on their Premiership prospects.

He added: "We have to keep our heads up and go for a good performance in a big game on Saturday in the FA Cup and then carry on in the league.

"We have three games in January, February and March so we are going to have plenty of time to focus, to prepare and hopefully we can finish in Europe."

Jaaskelainen, described by former Reebok team-mate Dean Holdsworth as being in the same class as Chelsea's Petr Cech, believes he is only just in his prime.

"I've always said that my best time is now and over the next three or four years," he said. "That is what I expect. When you play over 200 games in the Premier League you know how to prepare for games and what to expect on the field. Goalkeeping is all about experience and consistency."