PAUL McGRATH (36) yesterday admitted his thoughts had started to turn towards the Wembley run out which could be the fitting end to a glorious career.

Although McGrath is not quite ready to hang up his boots, he conceded a final visit to the Twin Towers was very much in his mind. "It would be fantastic to have maybe one last game at Wembley, something that would be great for me," said McGrath.

"We've had such a good season so far and if we could push it a little bit and go to Wembley, that would be terrific. It would be a nice way to cap things. I won't say it's my last season, but..."

The thought was left hanging in the air, but McGrath is aware that time is no longer on his side. McGrath paid tribute to his two younger colleagues in defence, Ugo Ehiogu and Gareth Southgate, saying "With the age I am, Ugo and Gareth give me a lot of protection.

"They do a lot of the hard graft and, if I'm honest, I think that's what I need at this stage of my career. While they're doing the work, I'm trying to bread things and clean up.