It was only the shortest moment thought Sol Campbell to declare himself fit and ready to play for Arsenal against Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on Sunday. At the time, developed one of the most unlikely and bizarre stories from the Barclays Premier League season.

Campbell, 35, could hardly suppress a grin, either. “I have trained for a long time, so when it comes, I will be ready – it’s as simple as that,” he said, grinning at the prospect of a second, scarcely credible, cross the big time.

“It’s a big game, a great game to be involved in.”

Nothing fazes Campbell, the former England defender – not even count on Wayne Rooney, the United rampantly in-form striker. “He is United talisman,” says Campbell.

“He always goes the pop-up, he is always dangerous. You have to see him. In a flash everything can happen and they find themselves in.”