BLACKBURN Rovers' goal-scoring hero Jonathan Stead described his match-winning strike against Manchester United as the highlight of his career.
The 21-year-old striker took his tally to six goals in 11 games when he grabbed an 85th minute winner in Saturday's 1-0 victory - a result which secured Rovers' place in the Premiership for a further 12 months.
Stead has now scored the winning goal in three of Rovers' last four games and his latest effort was the most satisfying of the lot.
"Scoring against Manchester United is definitely the highlight of my career so far - it's even better than playing for England Under-21s," said Stead.
"They are both massive honours but to score against United is fantastic.
"I'm just delighted, and the three points made us safe which is most important."
Stead's impact in the Premiership has been nothing short of sensational since he made the step up from the Third Division three months ago.
From the moment he scored on his debut at Middlesbrough, he's looked at home in English football's top division.
But the level-headed Yorkshireman is not about to get carried away by his own success.
"I've done alright for myself so far but I won't feel as though I've made it until I've scored goals at the top level for five or so seasons," said Stead.
"I'm just happy with the way it's going. I said to myself when I first came here that if I got five goals between then and the end of the season I'd be very happy and I'm sure Blackburn would be, too.
"I have to admit I have played more than I thought I would. I thought I would have to work my way into the side but I was thrown in and I took my chance.
"It could easily have gone the other way, I could have had a beast against Middlesbrough and things could have been very different.
"But instead, things have been going well for me. I haven't missed many chances - everything seems to be going in.
"In other seasons, you might miss more."
Stead admitted to feeling a little apprehensive at the prospect of facing United, even though the Reds had several star names missing.
"I was a little bit nervous before kick-off but excited, too, to be playing Manchester United - and a little bit disappointed it was not a full strength team because I had been looking forward to that.
"So it was a weaker side but it's still Manchester United and we have beaten them in the Premier League."
Now Stead is looking forward to next season, safe in the knowledge that he and Rovers will be playing in the Premier League again.
"We know what the squad can do - just look what happened last season," said Stead, who only started playing football at the age of 11.
"We know this has been a bad season but the lads, the management, and the staff have worked so hard to turn this club around."
And what about the prospect of a possible England call?
Tord Grip, Sven Goran Eriksson's number two, has already identified the young Rovers striker as a possible England star of the future.
"It's nice to hear it but I will just carry on doing my best and being happy playing with and against the top players in the country."
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