NOTHING gives me a greater buzz than scoring a vital goal in a big game because football has always been my number one passion.

But I've got to admit watching Spectrometer finish among the places at Cheltenham came pretty close.

Me, Garry Flitcroft, Matt Jansen and Alan Miller all have a share in the six-year-old and it was a major thrill to watch it run at one of the biggest race meetings in the world yesterday.

I was a bundle of nerves before the off but I needn't have worried as it romped to third place in the Coral Cup -- much to the delight of everyone at Brockhall!

Due to training commitments, I couldn't get down there to watch it in person but I spoke to Alan who was at the course straight afterwards and he said it looked very impressive.

So it looks as though we've got a good one there and I think it could do even better next year.

But in the meantime, we've now got to switch our sights to the main event of the week which is Arsenal's visit to Ewood on Saturday.

I've got a great deal of admiration for the job that Arsene Wenger has done at Highbury and he's turned the Gunners into a sensational side.

They have quality players in every position from Thierry Henry to Robert Pires, and Dennis Bergkamp to Sol Campbell.

But the one man I have the greatest respect for is Patrick Vieira because he plays in my position.

As far as I'm concerned, he's now taken over from Roy Keane as the most complete midfielder in the Premiership.

Not only is he blessed with wonderful ability but the man is an absolute giant as well.

I also know Ashley Cole and Francis Jeffers pretty well from days with the England Under 21 squad and I think Franny, in particular, is a vastly underrated player.

A lot of people seemed to have forgotten about him but he's bounced back with a vengeance in the last couple of months.

And not only is he a brilliant finisher, but his movement is exceptional as well.

Having said all that, no team is unbeatable and I fancy our chances on Saturday because I'll back us against anyone at Ewood.

We showed we could match them at Highbury early in the season and thanks to Brad's heroics we came away with a stunning 2-1 victory.

So we've now got the chance to do the 'double' over the possible double winners.

We'll certainly be fresher than them.

Whilst we've been relaxing in Marbella, they've had two massive games in the FA Cup and the Champions' League.

So we've got to use that to maximum advantage.