AS IF by magic I arrived home from Leeds at two minutes to seven on Saturday. Given that and the day's events, it seemed only right to set aside a couple of moments for reflection over a can of Seven Up.

The game at Elland Road was far from a classic. But at this stage, results are all that matter and the three points were vital in keeping European ambitions alive. It may cause ructions in the Souness household but Graeme's better half might yet have to forgo Thursday night dinner dates for another season.

The excellent result was of course marred by the dreadful injuries sustained by Vratislav Gresko. No-one likes to see players badly hurt. And as the manager hinted, it is especially upsetting when the injury is caused by serious foul play. From where I was sat, Mills had no chance whatsoever of winning the ball. Yet he still launched himself at the Slovakian.

The challenge was late, extremely dangerous, and warranted a straight red card.

To compound matters further, the incident was unbelievably missed by referee Paul Durkin from a couple of yards away. If there was any justice, Mills would face FA censure. I'm not holding my breath. Mills will probably get off thanks to Durkin.

Meanwhile the innocent victim in all this faces a long and painful recuperation. We can only wish him well.

That and a spate of other injuries probably caused anxiety at the club.

However, completion of the weekend fixtures brought a silver lining. Barring a disaster we can finish no lower than seventh, which represents steady progress from last season. And if we can nick the last UEFA place off Everton a steady season will have become an excellent one.

European football for a second successive season would be a terrific achievement. Anyone with the merest drop of blue and white blood in their veins really does owe it to themselves and the team to get down to Ewood for the final home game on Saturday. Let's send the lads off in style!

We should, of course, make the most of it because such a grand finale is not possible at every club. Especially if you support the Clarets.

I'm told their long suffering fans displayed remarkably good judgement by disappearing through the exits long before the team attempted "a lap of honour" on Saturday.

And not wanting to kick a man when he's down, I really must proffer an apology to my fellow scribe. Last season, he fairly bust a blood vessel or two when I described his team as "inconsequential". He was right. It now appears the description was wide of the mark.

Even given his team will probably be playing Accrington Stanley long before they will Blackburn Rovers.