Scarlets hooker Ken Owens relishing Solskjaer role with Wales
IT was the divine intervention of a substitute, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, which prompted Sir Alex Ferguson's immortal quotation: "I can't believe it. I can't believe it. Football — bloody hell!"
Solskjaer's injury-time winner for Manchester United in their 1999 Champions League final victory over Bayern Munich marked one of the most astonishing comebacks in sporting history — and left Ferguson speechless, which is a feat in itself.
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dynamic "Cannonball Ken" Owens has impressed off the bench for Wales.
One of the most telling contributions a replacement has ever made in a sporting contest, the goal also played a significant part in the forming of Solskjaer's reputation as a "supersub".
And although he may have some work to do before claiming his place alongside Solskjaer in sporting folklore, Ken Owens is a another man who is forging a name for himself as an influential replacement.
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Of the hooker's 13 appearances for Wales, only two have been as a starter.
Known as "Cannonball Ken" for his dynamic, abrasive approach, the Scarlet has carved out a niche for himself as Wales's go-to guy when they are in need of a late injection of force and power.
Owens has appeared from the bench in all three of Wales's Six Nations matches so far this year, impressing with a flurry of punchy carries and tackles.
And while he would ideally like to play the entire 80 minutes, the Scarlets hooker has grown into his cameo role.
"I've actually been quite happy coming off the bench," he says.
"That's the role I've been given and I've relished making an impact in the last 30 minutes or so.
"I know I'm going to get game-time and a chance to up the tempo of the game.
"Richard (Hibbard, Wales's first-choice hooker) has been in outstanding form throughout the season and thoroughly deserves his first-team spot. It's up to me now to keep working hard and put good performances in.
"That's good for the team, strength in depth. Matthew Rees is also playing well, so we've got three very good hookers in the squad."
Despite not starting any of Wales's three Six Nations fixtures to date, Owens has spent more time on the pitch than regional colleague Rees, who began the tournament as the first choice.
Even Hibbard, who has started the last two matches, has only played 15 minutes more than Owens.
But, although Wales's coaches are keen to utilise the Scarlet's strength as the opposition tire in the second half, Owens is modest about his impact.
"I wouldn't say I change the game, but I've spent quite a lot of my career coming off the bench with Matthew Rees being the first choice at the Scarlets for a while," he says.
"That's just how it is and perhaps I'm used to it, knowing I need to make an impact when I do come on for 15 or 20 minutes.
"It's what I've been used to so I suppose it comes naturally.
"But my ambition is to become the first choice and, as long as I'm involved in the matchday squad, I'm happy to do my bit for the team."
Owens has certainly made his presence felt when coming on for Wales this year, making 18 carries and nine tackles in his 91 minutes of action to date.
The 26-year-old is hopeful of being involved at Murrayfield on Saturday when Wales face Scotland, and he has fingers crossed the match will be played at a pace which will suit his barnstorming style.
"I've played there with the Scarlets but it will be different for Wales with a full house. If I'm involved, it will be nice to play in front of a packed house at Murrayfield," Owens adds.
"It should be a good spectacle. We like to play a bit of rugby, but we'll play the game on its merits.
"Hopefully it will be expansive because it will play into our hands."
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