Denis Irwin celebrated his 32nd birthday yesterday by being given an extension to his Manchester United contract. Irwin, who has been at Old Trafford since 1990, will stay until 1999.

The scorer of Wednesday's spectacular free kick goal said: "The club is full of quality fullbacks - 32 has sneaked up on me.

"But I feel as fit as ever. I'm delighted the club has extended my deal by another year. There are no guarantees at United, but I'm not one who'd be happy on the sidelines. "I want to play and I believe I can still be there in the new millennium."

Irwin, however, does not believe there is another World Cup in him after this summer.

"If I don't make this one, I don't think there will be another chance for me," he said.

"Some of the older Republic players like Ray Houghton, Tony Cascarino and Andy Townsend have said this is their last chance, and while they are a bit older than me, I can't see myself making another one either.

"I loved it when we were in the States in '94, and that's why I'm desperate to have another go."

Meanwhile, under-fire Sheffield Wednesday manager David Pleat has a friend in Alex Ferguson - but not for 90 minutes today. And the Wednesday chief's job could be on the line if the Premiership leaders carry on where they left off last weekend.

Barnsley felt the power of United's attack last Saturday, and Ferguson has warned that they are in the same mood. "The players are playing with great confidence. Everyone is enjoying their football and that is important.

"I feel for David Pleat because he's been one of the most consistent and experienced managers since I came down here. He's been managing for a long time and has always tried to have quality in his players and in the way they play. That has always been an admirable part of his management. Even now he will still be trying to make sure they play football."

Meanwhile, West Ham striker John Hartson has been charged with misconduct by the Football Association following his verbal attack on referee Mike Reed after Monday's Premiership clash with Leicester.

Hartson was incensed by the performance of the Birmingham official who booked five Hammers players in a match which Leicester won 2-1 courtesy of a late Ian Marshall goal.

Hartson branded Reed "a homer", claimed that his performance was "a disgrace" and that "he deserved a nought out of 10 mark."

Hartson tried to backtrack on Wednesday by issuing an apology to Reed in which he claimed his remarks had been made "in the heat of the moment and were not considered."

Reed accepted Hartson's "I'm sorry" message, but the FA clearly feel that Hartson's outburst warrants him having to stand in the dock.

Hartson left behind the controversy to meet 3,000 local children and back West