A Hornet has flown across the world to make sure he does not miss Saturday’s huge FA Cup Final.

Matt Cootes, who lives in Melbourne in Australia, has made it to Watford with plenty of time to spare, as he prepares for one of Watford’s biggest games in its history.

He’ll be at Wembley for the final against Manchester City alongside his father, Derek. The pair were both at the 1984 final where Watford finished as runners-up after defeat to Everton.

Matt, 45, said he received a call from his father just hours after Watford’s stunning turnaround against Wolves in the semi-finals, asking if he wanted to go to the final, and of course Matt was not going to turn the opportunity down.

Hillingdon Times:

Matt pictured with his father Derek at the 2013 play-off final at Wembley

Matt moved to Australia 20 years ago, living in Sydney for 15 years before moving to Melbourne. He lives out there with his partner, Gabi, and his two boys, Harry, 8, and Archie, 6.

Hillingdon Times:

Matt's partner Gabi, pictured, and their boys Harry and Archie, will have to watch the final on their television back in Australia

His sons haven’t been able to get tickets for the final but were given a stadium tour of Vicarage Road when they visited the town at Christmas.

They were photographed alongside the statue of Graham Taylor, which appeared in the Fulham match programme.

Hillingdon Times:

The Cootes family outside Vicarage Road

But Matt will be going.

He said: “I was up at 3am to watch the game against Wolves and then I got a call from my dad. He is a season ticket-holder and he asked if I wanted to go. I’ve been able to get a ticket after a friend couldn’t make it. It’s been 35 years since the last one and you never know when the next one will be so I wasn’t going to miss this chance.

“I have been a Watford fan since I was five and I miss going to games. It’s going to be a tough game but we have got every chance of winning. We know it will be a great day out.”

His father Derek, 69, says it is a “dream come true” that his son will be able to join him at Wembley.

Matt has booked his flight back to Australia for Monday so will have plenty of time to celebrate if Watford can pull off the greatest achievement in its history.