The Ryan Giggs story goes on - and on and on - and still his powers show no sign of waning. No longer the daring, dashing left-winger who tormented full-backs but a calming influence and one of the sharpest passers around.

Always willing to try the adventurous, although his legs may have lost the explosive acceleration, his brain remains ahead of his younger rivals and his ability to produce telling crosses and assists has never been better. In summary, the Welshman is a phenomenon and a footballer to be treasured and talked about in revered tones long after he eventually decides to hang up his boots.

Bryan Robson feels that may not be until he has slipped into his 40s. A man who was not named PFA Players' Player until 2009 remains a key part of Sir Alex Ferguson's squad. An ally to the boss and an indvidual who commands total respect in the dressing room.

To list Giggs' honours becomes something of a chore. The most decorated player in the British game, the potential that earned him two PFA Young Player of the Year awards earlier in his career has long since been realised. Ryan is United's record appearance-maker; he surpassed Sir Bobby Charlton's 758 on the night he helped the Reds secure a third European Cup triumph - his second - in Moscow on 21 May 2008.

It now stands at 909; a tally which is likely to increase in the 2012/13 season. Good luck to anybody trying to better it and who would say with any conviction that he cannot do the unthinkable and breach the 1,000 barrier? It would appear a tall order but normal logic doesn't apply to the career of the Salford-raised superstar.

He's the only player to have scored in every Premier League season and even managed to mark his 900th appearance with the most dramatic of winners in injury time at Norwich. The wide-eyed celebration that followed proved he is as enthusiastic about the game as he has ever been.