He said: "We've had a lot of stick but it's up to us to go and prove the critics wrong. We're in one final now and hopefully we can get into a couple more and get into a Champions League place before the end of the season. That's our main aim.
"It was a very tough tie. Sheffield United were a great team over both legs and they deserve credit. I know a lot was said in the papers before the game but that's part of the banter of cup ties. I hope they go and get promotion now because they're a good team.
"We're desperate to win this competition now. The manager has shown throughout the tournament how seriously he is taking it by putting out strong teams.
"Hopefully getting to the final will give our season a big lift. Winning at Southampton last weekend gave us confidence for last night and now hopefully we can take this form into the FA Cup game on Sunday."