DEBUT

"It is very exciting. He definitely has a chance of playing Tuesday and it is a toss of the coin whether he will be on the bench or he will start the game."

(Forlan must have slipped the gaffer a double-headed coin)

"I am just mulling over whether to start him or put him on the bench, maybe putting him on the bench would be the fairest thing to do. Nonetheless he is going to be involved." said Ferguson

'He is an ordinary lad and has a good work ethic about him, he has been very impressive in training. He knows the English lads well. That's a blessing and is a good start. Looking at him as an 18-year-old, I do not see where coaching comes in to it at this moment. He's got a natural instinct for the game and a natural ability to play anywhere. He is two-footed, quick, aggressive and a good header of the ball. The great thing for a manager is potential and we will try and develop that potential.'

Ferguson, however, says it could be a few years before Rooney develops his full potential.

'In three to four years' time we might see the full article, then we can say this boy has been a great investment. The thing he has to get is consistency and there are things he needs to learn. One of those things is tactics. No player I know goes forward without practising.'