I CAN remember when 3pm on Saturday was kick off-time, when Michael Jackson had his own facial features and mullets were in.

I can remember when Cannon and Ball were on prime time TV, when the pies were inedible on the Blackburn End and when Burnley had a bad side (OK some things never change!).

More importantly, I can remember when a call up for England had to be earned.

Having just witnessed another uninspiring performance from a second string England, I have to wonder if these 'friendlies' really are worth it.

When you see names such as Upson, Murphy and Gardner (who?) in an England squad it just gives the impression that the 'honour' of playing for your country has been down-graded.

Okay, it's great for the players concerned but when push comes to shove, will they be representing us in the 'big' games? Not a hope.

I'm just pleased that I'd managed to get my fix of 'proper' football on Saturday when I watched the Scots and the Welsh. Obviously there was the added incentive of seeing how Barry Ferguson shaped up against the Dutch.

It was good to see that he went head to head with arguably one of the best midfielders in the world in Davids and was not found wanting.

In fact he imposed his game on the Dutch midfield which bodes well for future games in a Rovers shirt. I've criticised Fergie in the past, but if he can maintain that level and leave the other Fergie red-faced (!) this weekend I'll be happy.

The Welsh game interested me, mainly because I like to see Robbie Savage get a kicking.

However, I found myself impressed with Cardiff and Wales centre half Danny Gabbidon. He had pace, strength and read the game brilliantly snuffing out the Russian strikers regularly.

With the transfer window open soon and bearing in mind our defensive deficiencies, maybe a bid could be launched. Craig Short's not getting any younger and Babbel will be back at Anfield in the summer so it's certainly worth a thought.

Things may have been quiet down at Ewood over the past week but the news on Thompson's knee injury is a cause for concern.

He's certainly not been on his best form this season but there can never be any doubt about his commitment to the cause. It can only be hoped that the problem isn't too serious and he's back playing before too long.

That said, it may prove a blessing and Reid and Emerton may pick their form up, safe in the knowledge they will get a sustained run in the side during his absence.

So on to the so called 'theatre of dreams' this week. Loathe them or hate them, you can't ignore them and at Old Trafford we never beat them.

But our nemesis Paul Scholes isn't playing and anything we get from the game will be considered a bonus.

With no pressure on them, the players should go in there and relish the challenge. If they show the bottle that all big players should have, we may just surprise a few people.