ALL IN ALL, not a bad week really.

A final 20 minutes at Blackburn that managed to obliterate the paucity of what went before it, indication against PSV that our squad players might not be the complete buffoons that most people seem to assume and Rafa is on the verge of a new contract that should enable him to finish the job he started – though it’ll probably cost us another £70m or so before we’re right up there.

The first half against PSV seemed to be providing more evidence that our strength in depth is more Alan Carr than Geoff Capes, until Babel’s excellent header breathed more confidence into the team.

Certainly the second half was much improved, and even Dossena looked half a player (which I still suspect he is).

Lucas looked more like a present-day Ronnie Whelan than did his previous impression of Igor Biscan against Fulham, and Ngog at last showed the first flash of talent that has apparently convinced Rafa that he is a star of the future.

For me though, the most encouraging sign was the displays of the kids introduced in the second half.

Following Insua’s competent showing against Blackburn, Stephen Darby showed he has the potential to claim the right-back slot for years to come.

It won’t be long before these two are first-choice, unless of course we sign another low-grade Spanish defender.

Jay Spearing also took his chance, showing no signs of nerves and giving an accomplished performance.

Jay is going to face stiffer competition in his position of course, but it would be good to see him stick around and not end up at Blackpool or somewhere similar.