After scoring Manchester United’s equalising goal in yesterday’s Carling Cup final victory, Michael Owen limped off before half time with a hamstring injury.

Owen was surprisingly upbeat after the match though, insisting he was very happy to have scored and that United, with his only concern being doing well for us, not going to South Africa for this year’s World Cup.

“It was great to win, great to score, great to play a part, just soured by getting a hamstring injury,” said Owen. “It’s the first injury I have had since I have been at United but it’s been a good day. I didn’t think about who was watching. I know a lot of people have been getting their knickers in a twist about it. But I just want to play well for Man United. If I go then great, if I don’t then it gives someone else a chance.”