Golden Owen ready to take on the world

Derby boss John Gregory believes Owen is a worthy recipient - and told him so as the players left the pitch, with Derby's relegation sealed by a goal in each half by the quicksilver marksman. The postscript was less welcome at Anfield, though, as Gregory reflected on a three-horse title race and tipped Manchester United to confound their standing as outsiders.

'It's United for me, simply because they are the outstanding team,' said Gregory.

'I know it is out of their hands at the moment, but that could change, not least because Arsenal still have to go to Old Trafford. If United get half a chance, they will take it. They are the best around.' Derby went down fighting and could even have equalised Owen's opener with sharper finishing from Malcolm Christie, but Gregory had little difficulty in pinpointing his two most pressing problems as he prepares for life in the First Division.

He conceded that he will have his work cut out hanging on to his best young players, notably Liverpool target Chris Riggott, and was just as concerned about the way previous regimes had allowed disciplinary standards to plummet. Gregory said: 'One or two of these lads would enhance many a Premiership side. I don't want to lose them but might have to accept that our financial position dictates otherwise.

'I don't want players who are not totally committed. There is no point being half-hearted and anyone who wants to go can. I will not tolerate part-timers. It has to be all or nothing.

'This is an exceptionally well-run club in every department except the football side. I have been aware for a while that there are a lot of things to be put right. I am afraid it has all been very unprofessional.

'I cannot be more specific than that, but the whole playing side of the club has not been run properly. It has proved difficult changing people's habits in such a short space of time, but we are trying. 'We are getting them to be more responsible and more committed to the club, to be more professional about their diet and generally look after themselves.

'I'm referring to everything, really. Lifestyle, how they conduct themselves when they are not playing, the lot. We have been playing at it too long and it all needs a major overhaul. 'We can't get any lower than we are at the moment, but I hope we can start afresh next season with the sort of attitude that is going to get us straight back up again.'

Riggott pressed his claims for a summer move to Anfield by stopping Owen in his tracks with an outstanding lunging tackle that saved a certain goal. He was still giving little away afterwards as he said: 'The tears were flowing in the dressing room, and I was almost crying myself. 'I am a Derby lad and happy here, though it is not necessarily up to me what happens next.'