Giggs Praised Ahead Of 100th Game

If Fergie is true to his word and plays Ryan Giggs tomorrow the Welshman will register his 100th UEFA Champions League appearance.

A remarkable feat which has been achieved by a relatively select band. But Giggs deserves it totally, according to Fergie.

"There are only a few players who have reached that milestone,' he said. 'That is because of Ryan`s ability, his longevity and how he prepares - you just have to look at his lifestyle.

"He is obviously at a successful club as well and for me he has been an absolute model in his time with us. Even at 34 we expect big things from him.

"We do not play him in every game but that is natural for someone of his age - but he will play tomorrow. It will be a great occasion for Ryan and we are all proud of him."

I hope he will mark it with a big, big performance as we need him to be at his best against a strong opponent.

It'd be difficult to argue that Giggs was seldom at his best this season. The aging process seems to have caught up with him at last and he sometimes looked off the pace. But his intelligent, sharp passing and superb technique is still an asset and I urge everyone not to forget about it in the light of Nani's devastating display on Saturday. Even though I would start the young Portuguese in this game...