Executing SSI in a php page

Anon

Dear All,
I have a server side include that used to work in my '.shtml' file. However, since I have now put the SSI, i.e.

in a .php file it no longer works.

Since reviewing the previous threads in this forum, there appear to have been similar postings, but now i'm more confused.
Someone suggested if you're using Apache, you can use the virtual() function provided by PHP. How is this applied? And is there and more suitable methods.
Also, I was wondering, can a simple page counter be implemented in php! Does PHP sufficiently replace SSI, so that I never need to use SSI again? Is it a mistake to use SSI when I have a php enabled webspace?
If someone could clarify these points I would be very grateful!

Thanks in advance,
Regards,
- Pete

Anon

There is a function built into PHP called virtual() that is apache specific. You might want to give that a shot...

http://download.php.net/manual/en/function.virtual.php

Hope this helps,
Josh B