Beckham may be ready for Milan debut at Roma

Short-term loan signing David Beckham is in excellent shape and could make his Serie A debut in AC Milan's first league match after the winter break at Roma next week, coach Carlo Ancelotti said yesterday.

"He is impeccable in training. Physically he is well, he just lacks a little power," Ancelotti was quoted as saying at Milan's training camp in Dubai by La Gazzetta dello Sport's website (www.gazzetta.it).

"He will definitely be on the field in the (friendly) test against Hamburg (on Tuesday) and he may even be ready for the Roma match."

Beckham has joined Milan on loan from Los Angeles Galaxy to keep up his fitness during the United States close season and stay in contention for an England squad place.

The midfielder scored an own goal in a practice game on Saturday, media reported.

Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo is certain Beckham has what it takes to be a success in Serie A.

"I don't have to teach him anything," Pirlo told the Italian daily. "He is intelligent and has a good sense of positioning. He has everything needed to do well in Italy."

Beckham's arrival at Milan is a timely boost for Ancelotti who is currently without the injured Gennaro Gattuso who has been ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering a knee ligament injury.

"Gattuso is an important player, but there are others who will fill the gap," Pirlo remarked. "Of course, we will miss his energy and personality."