Harry Redknapp hailed his side's character after QPR came from behind to beat Wigan on Monday night and secure a Wembley final spot.
Charlie Austin's double saw Rangers edge out the Latics 2-1 after extra time to set up a showdown with Derby County on May 24.
Redknapp shipped out 18 players in the summer in a massive rebuilding job following relegation from the Premier League.
But QPR are now just 90 minutes away from an instant return to the top-flight after overcoming a resilient Wigan side.
“People say about wage bills but the big hitters all went – they were good players we had to let go," said Redknapp.
"We put a new team together really. Lots of players had been written off. Richard Dunne hadn’t played for a year and we took a little gamble on him and Clint Hill has been around here for years.
“Joey Barton I thought was excellent. Bobby Zamora was fantastic when he came on. It was an amazing performance and he can do that. He was always a problem for them.
"Charlie's scored in almost every game since he's come back, he's so important to us."
Steve McClaren's side now stand between Rangers and promotion from the Championship.
Redknapp added: “I’m looking forward to going back to Wembley. I just want to get promoted for the owners, fans and players here – that’s all I want.”
