BLACKBURN midfielder Robbie Savage has revealed how he is drawing inspiration from Gary Speed as he attempts to extend his own playing career.
Speed, the most experienced player in Premiership history and still going strong for Wanderers at the age of 37, is widely regarded as "the model professional".
And it is his endurance that fellow Welshman Savage is using as his motivation as he looks to play a part in Blackburn's bid for FA Cup glory.
Recuperating well ahead of schedule from the broken leg he suffered in January, Savage is aiming to be fit for the weekend of April 14, when Rovers will be involved in the semi-finals, should they get past Manchester City in Sunday's quarter-final. But the ultimate target is May 19, when Mark Hughes' men hope to be contesting the first final at the new Wembley Stadium.
Savage knows he is approaching the twilight of his carer, but Speed, his former team-mate in the Wales national side, has given him something to aim for.
"When you are 19 you think you will play forever," he said.
"I'm 32 now and I know I haven't got long left but I'm determined to play for as long as I can at whatever level.
"This is my 11th season in the Premiership and I want to do what Gary Speed has done. He's a credit to his profession and I want to follow in his footsteps."
Savage admits he has been frustrated watching Rovers' progress from the sidelines.
"I'm hoping to be back before the end of the season and it would be nice if we could get to the FA Cup final so I could return for that one," he said.
"I was kicking every ball with the lads when I watched the Arsenal game on TV.
"When you are watching on telly like that, half of you is pleased and half of you wishes you were involved. It's a selfish feeling, but you have to be selfish.
"This injury has made me realise I want to play football for as long as possible."
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