Mirallas joins Messi, Maradonna, Giggs

Individual brilliance ... Kevin Mirallas was the difference for Everton this weekend. Source: News Limited/AFP / AAP

Everton can thank a moment of magic from Kevin Mirallas for their win against Stoke City, as they keep pace with the race for a spot in Europe.

The Beligan achieved one of football's spectacular sights - an individual solo goal-scoring effort from within your own half, to collect this week's goal of the week award. 

He burst clear of Steven N'Zonzi and left Geoff Cameron chasing shadows before a sharp finish. 

It's not every day we get to enjoy goals like that. Here's some of recent pearlers - and a couple of oldies that have made football annals, you'll never forget them. 

Which is your favourite?

Nicky Carle - Newcastle Jets v Adelaide United, 2006

This famous run from Carle is one of the enduring images of the A-League's early days and the goal of the season in 2006-2007. 

Lionel Messi - Barcelona v Getafe, 2007

Comparisons with Diego Maradona reached fever pitch when Barcelona's star decided to collect a ball from inside his own half and dazzle his way past Getafe to score a goal reminiscent of the great Argentine. 

Diego Maradona - Argentina v England, 1986

Speaking of the great man, we can't put together this compilation without this goal. 

George Weah - AC Milan v Verona, 1996

At the peak of his powers, the Liberian was one of the hottest properties in world football - and was named the 1995 FIFA World Player of the Year. Here's why. 

Kaka - Brazil v Argentina, 2009

No surprise to see so many South Americans on this list. Here's a reminder why Kaka, off the radar a bit at Real Madrid, was such a precocious talent. 

Ronaldo - Barcelona v Compostela, 1996 

The Brazilian legend was one hell of a player in his day. And not just a fox in the box, as this shows. 

Ryan Giggs - Manchester United v Arsenal, 1999

This goal hardly needs an introduction. Outrageous not only for the skill, but the context - sending Manchester United into the FA Cup final.

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Giggs to play on with Red Devils

Winger ... Ryan Giggs will play a 23rd EPL season with Manchester United. Source: Jon Super / AP

Ryan Giggs, who is set to make his 1,000th appearance in senior football this weekend, has signed a new one-year contract at Manchester United, the club announced on Friday.

The Barclays Premier League leaders said the deal keeps the 39-year-old Wales winger at Old Trafford until June 2014 and sees him complete a 23rd season as a first-team player.

Coach Alex Ferguson told manutd.com: "What can I say about Ryan that hasn't already been said? He is a marvellous player and an exceptional human being. Ryan is an example to us all, the way in which he has, and continues to, look after himself.

"He has fantastic energy for the game and it is wonderful to see. Ryan seems to reach a new milestone every week and to think that he now has 23 unbroken years of league goals behind him is truly amazing in the modern-day game.

"His form this year shows his ability and his enjoyment of the game are as strong as ever and I am absolutely delighted that he has signed a new contract.''

Giggs signed professional forms with United in 1990 and made his debut on March 2, 1991. He has made 931 appearances for the club -- a Manchester United record -- and scored 168 goals.

He has been capped 64 times for Wales and played four times for the British Olympic men's football team at last year's London Games.

During his impressive, storied career, he has won 12 Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups, two Champions Leagues, one Super Cup, an Intercontinental Cup and a FIFA Club World Cup.

Giggs said he was "delighted'' to have signed a new contract and despite his advancing years said he was "feeling good, enjoying my football more than ever and, most importantly, I feel I am making a contribution to the team''.

He added: "This is an exciting team to be part of, with great team spirit, and we are again pushing for trophies as we head towards the business end of the season.''

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Ryan Giggs: happy 1,000th

Legend ... Ryan Giggs's longevity is astounding. Source: Lefteris Pitarakis / AP

Ryan Giggs got on the scoresheet against Queens Park Rangers last weekend. Doesn't sound like much, except that it was in his 999th senior game.

His 1,000th game could come against Norwich this weekend. 

Add that to the fact that he has also scored in each of the Barclays Premier League’s 21 seasons. 

How good has the 39-year-old Welsh wizard been? Former Old Trafford teammate Mark Bosnich is in no doubt.

"He’s been the greatest player of all time in the Premier League, that’s my opinion,"  Bosnich told foxsports.com.au. 

"He’s the best player I played with."

Giggs, who opened his goals account on May 4, 1991, continues to defy age to perform at an exceptional level for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side.  

And his record, scoring in each season in EPL history, is something he admits he is proud of.

"Yes, it is something I’m proud of," Giggs said recently. "At the time I was just buzzing we were 1-0 up and it was an important goal in the context of the game. It set us off and after that we played some good stuff. But after the game you are proud to have kept that record going."

Bosnich recalls a "very witty, very sharp" teammate who used to "fire the bullets for Nicky Butt" in the dressing room.

And Bozza clearly remembers the first time he heard of the left-footed genius during his first stint at United as a junior. 

"I just remember him playing for Salford Boys as a 15-year-old and Fergie coming up and down the hallway saying: 'just watch this boy on the left-hand side'," Bosnich said. 

"Apparently after that game - when he was on schoolboy forms for Manchester City - he waited for his mum to make sure he signed for Manchester United."

"I think that will go down as one of the great signings – not only in football history, but sport." 

Fergie has been indebted to his golden generation, but Giggs and Paul Scholes in particular have outlasted the rest of their esteemed group.  

Question is - how much longer can he go for?

Teammate Rafael paid tribute to Giggs after the game, describing his consistent excellence as so good that it's becoming boring. 

"Ryan is an unbelievable player. Every game you see him, he works hard, scores goals and makes assists.

"He is such a good player it is getting boring."

English football scribe Andy Dunn believes Giggs can succeed Sir Alex Ferguson in the manager's office. 

"I don't think it is beyond the realms of possibility that he could play on for another season, learn during that time and then have a year or two - let's say Fergie stays around for another two or three years - I think he could go straight in. I really do think that is a possibility," the Mirror journalist told Sky Sports.

 "I bet you he is already thinking I wonder if I can go on next year. He has never been one for ceremony but he will be thinking how he can best look after himself for this season and the close season so he can play football one more year. That is the way he operates. It has been an absolutely incredible achievement."

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