During a blank programme of championship matches, I, like so many other football fans, found myself looking forward to a competitive England international for the first time in ages in the forlorn hope that we might see one of our own, Andy Johnson, play an important part in England's march towards qualification for the 2006 World Cup.

In the end I was grateful that Sven thought others more to his liking.

After a first half that, a John Hartson header apart, seemed to go to the script, the second began well with a deflected goal, followed by the same old story.

Instead of going for a second, substitutions were made and memories of Brazil and Portugal came flooding back.1-0 up and looking good suddenly became 1-0 up and hanging on. Negative play and players out of position gave Wales hope and belief.

It reminded me of one particular game last season at Selhurst Park when an ordinary team came into town, took an early lead and spent the rest of the game with nine men behind the ball with Palace trying desparately to find a way through.

The team Middlesborough. The Manager Steve McLaren. Similarities, many. Sven's successor I hope not.