The 33-year-old's memorable goal saw off Barcelona at Old Trafford on Tuesday night.

Scholes unleashed a fierce, drilled shot after 14 minutes to hand the Red Devils a 1-0 win against the Primera Liga giants in the semi-final second leg.

Having already said he would hand the former England midfielder a starting berth if they reached the final after suspension ruled him out of the club's 1999 triumph, his second goal of the season sealed the deal.

Asked if he would make the first XI in Moscow, Ferguson told ITV1: "Absolutely. He's one of the great players to come through the ranks here.

"But I'm so pleased for everyone.

"It's a great feeling, marvellous for this club. This club deserves to be in the final. It's fantastic."

The Scot was also keen to thank the Old Trafford supporters, adding: "They (Barca) chased the goal and they had to gamble but the fans got us over the line."

United captain Rio Ferdinand also paid to tribute to Scholes and the crowd.

"You can't put this into words. The fans played their part and backed us the whole way and we dug deep.

"Then there was a moment of quality from a fantastic player. Paul Scholes... what a goal. A great time to get one."

Looking forward to what is now certain to be an all-English final, Ferdinand insisted he did not mind whether Chelsea or Liverpool awaited them in Russia.

"We stayed together tonight and now we're waiting for whoever comes," he added.

Team-mate Michael Carrick, taking up the theme, added: "I don't care which one it is. Once we're there if we play well we're confident we can win."