Lucas was my man of the match today. He’s versatile, clearly got talent with the ball at his feet and without (ie game intelligence) and young enough to get better.

I know you guys have reservations but when he gets a clear run in the side, a chance to establish himself and sheltered from the boos, or rather given confidence to believe in himself, I believe he’ll be a real star for the team…….though I caution my own optimism with the concern that most young players have regular blips so his will come again soon.

All of the above applies to Insua. He’s proved himself an able and talented rival to Rafael at United. I hope he’s delivering for us when he’s 21, 23 and so on. But at that age you have your fingers-crossed.

I do think we need to back-off Dossena a little. The guys a star in Italy and then is totally floored by how different our game is. Do you remember him in pre-season? He looked wonderful. But now he realises our game requires that much more. I think he’ll still come good BUT now that Rafa sees that Insua is a real rival to Aurelio – and can at least cover him when he’s injured – he may take a good offer to let him go.

I notice we’ve all let Babel off the hook today. I won’t overly criticise but I think if he could get his act together and show as much ‘can-do’ attitude as Lucas, he’ll be a real star for the club. But he has to learn to stop believing all the hype – the EPL is not the same as the dutch league – and get on with allowing Rafa to show him how to become the top class player his talent hints at. Otherwise, he’ll be gone. But I have my fingers-crossed for him.

Oh, the criticism of Kuyt! Look we better get use to it, and I have, he is part of the spine of not just the squad but the team. He is a prototype Rafa player: team player, works hard and gets the odd vital goal. He never lets Rafa’s game plan down and is so tireless in his work, he could score a goal in the 94th minute like he’s done before.

Where I do hope there is change in the future is for us to have a player that can at least part achieve what Stevie G does should he be injured – god-forbid. I think Robbie K could be a fair substitute in a 4-4-2 and in a 4-2-3-1 but I’m not sure whether he realises that he has that talent. Time will tell.

Roll on Stoke on the 10th of Jan (?). If only we could net those 3 points and put their lucky draw at Anfield behind us.

Walk on. Walk on…………..

…….oh, and I’d take Heskey back no problem!