Steve misses out on Final

But he had a good reason for his absence - he was on international duty with England at the time.

Guinan's hat-trick in the Cup's fourth qualifying round when the Bulls beat Harrow Borough 6-1 had earned him the award as the player of the round. On Saturday, all of those players who had won the award through this season's competition were invited to be the FA's guests at the final between Manchester United and Millwall.

James Curley (Oldham Town), Paddy James (Lymington & New Milton), Jeff Minton (Canvey Island), Darren Currie (Wycombe Wanderers), Lee Trundle (Swansea City) and Ashley Sestanovich (Scarbor-ough) were regally entertained by the FA and presented to the huge crowd on the pitch at half-time.

"I must admit that I did look on a bit enviously from the England team hotel in Scotland," said Guinan.

Bruno Cheyrou (Liver-pool), Jose Antonio Reyes and Freddie Ljungberg (Arsenal) were prevented from attending by international duties or holidays while Tim Cahill (Millwall) was actually playing in the final.

While England did not exactly shine in the Home International Tournament in the north of Scotland with just one win from their three games, Guinan, who recently signed for Third Division Cheltenham Town, did his own reputation no harm.

The former Nottingham Forest striker, who was named captain of the national side, scored both of England's goals in the 3-2 defeat by Ireland and then successfully converted a penalty in a 3-1 success over Scotland.

"I think Matt Baker and Andy Tretton had their hands over their eyes when I took the penalty as they would remember my miss against Northampton in the LDV Vans Trophy shoot-out," he said.

Guinan will miss out on tonight's England versus Iraq fixture at Macclesfield's Moss Rose Stadium but, along with United's Baker and Tretton, is in the England party for a short tour of the USA next week.

l Next week - Steve Guinan looks back on his two successful years at Edgar Street.