Time is running out for those players on the fringe of Fabio Capello’s thoughts. If they haven’t sufficiently impressed the England manager yet, what must they do in the remaining few games?

Big stage: Manchester City's Adam Johnson can book his place to South Africa with England if he plays well against Manchester United

One answer, I think, is to shine when it counts against the best players. Consequently, if Adam Johnson does well against Patrice Evra on Saturday, the Manchester City winger stands a decent chance of going to the World Cup as an alternative on either flank.

By the same token, Michael Dawson might stake a strong claim if he manages to shackle Chelsea’s Didier Drogba. Not many centre-halves tend to manage that but, in his favour, Dawson has enjoyed a great season for Tottenham.

With Jonathan Woodgate nowhere to be seen and Ledley King’s chronic knee restricting his appearances, Dawson has been the constant for Spurs, growing in stature as a courageous defender who has become increasingly competent with the ball at his feet.

He’ll relish the physical challenge of trying to keep tabs on Drogba, knowing that a successful day would help edge Spurs one step closer to that coveted fourth place.

As for Capello, well, he hasn’t appeared too impressed so far, given that Dawson has yet to make one of the Italian’s squads. Mind you, neither had Johnson before Capello stepped forward with some encouraging comments this week.

All in all, then, these are going to be fascinating sub-plots to the main events. Titles could almost be won and lost at Eastlands and White Hart Lane. And certain players could change the course of their careers.

THE OLD AND THE NEW

The day after Paul Scholes signed for another year at Manchester United, it may be time to give Darron Gibson a proper run in the side. The 22 year-old Irishman will never be the same player as Scholes but there’s definitely something of a young Roy Keane in the way Gibson patrols midfield.

He can run, he can tackle and he can certainly shoot, as proved only recently against Bayern Munich. Not only that, the Londonderry lad would bring a strong physical presence to an area slightly lacking in that department.

Sir Alex Ferguson, in fact, must be tempted to throw Gibson into the derby. Sitting tight in front of their back four, Manchester City’s Gareth Barry and Nigel De Jong must be disturbed. Gibson can do that with his energetic presence and, at the same time, make a convincing case for a regular berth.

WHEN SECOND IS GOOD

Arsenal mustn't feel too downhearted after losing to Tottenham. Because if United don't beat City, a win at Wigan on Sunday would hoist Arsène Wenger’s side level with the champions or even one point above.

In that event, finishing runners-up becomes a realistic target for a team welcoming back the brilliant Robin van Persie; a club, too, that keeps a tight rein on its purse strings.

No, finishing second isn't quite the same as winning solid silverware but you'd be a fool to knock such a worthy achievement.

WOUNDED TIGERS?

Burnley came back from a drubbing at home. Can Hull do the same after suffering last week? The big difference, of course, is that, in Burnley, Hull got humiliated by a relegation rival who, for their part, can at least claim that their own thrashing came at the hands of a very useful team in Manchester City.

Still, that's all by the by going into the last few games, when confidence can change from week to week. And Hull’s must be low going into a tough match at Birmingham where the players’ attitude will give us a clue as to their eventual fate.

With a game in hand and three of their last four at home, Iain Dowie's side don't have to win at St Andrew's but they do have to show that they’re still fighting.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Craig Bellamy: after his brace at Old Trafford, watch out for Manchester City’s flying Welshman. Will Sir Alex Ferguson dare risk the ageing Gary Neville?