It couldn't have been more perfect. For the team to win 2-0, for Shay Given to keep a clean sheet and then to throw Alan's record-breaking goal into the mix -- it was just what we needed.

Michael saw his specialist on Monday and had a good look at his latest X-rays. He is happy at what he has seen and heard and now it's full steam ahead for him. Things are going well for Michael and he is perhaps a week ahead of where we always thought he would be after his injury.

To suggest Michael Owen has had a setback is ridiculous. We accurately assess what stage players are at during their rehabilitation and Michael Owen is where we thought he would be at this stage of his recovery.

It will be touch and go. Apparently, he's certainly not behind (his recovery) time, if anything he might be a little bit ahead of time.

But Alan was in the dugout and as a future manager one day, I think he enjoyed it. He spoke to the lads in the dressing room. If he doesn't make that, he should be fit for Saturday against Everton.

Whatever job Alan does for this club, whatever job Alan would want to do for this club, he will always do his very best. He's assisting me brilliantly.