As for outfield players, what about Paul Scholes? He retired from international football (far too early in my opinion) partly to concentrate on his club football and so would appear to have the inclination to play on for a long time. He’s also at a club where the manager is prepared to look after his players and find a role for them, look at how Ryan Giggs has been nurtured as his career enters its twilight and the new lease of life it has given him.

Other then that, you have to say with the amount players are making these days things may change. Players may get to 30-33 and wonder whether they still have the desire. The millions in the bank may prove more attractive then slowly becoming a bit part player at a championship club.

But I guess although they have more experience, when it comes down to the crunch they never seem to overshadow the young guns. Just look at the mess Theo Walcott made of Maldini when he came off the bench last week against Milan.