LEARNING THE HARD WAY

Last updated : 15 January 2003 By Editor

United's reserve team striker Daniel Nardiello has been targeted by Mark Hughes to play for Wales. Nardiello's father played twice for the Welsh in the 80's and now the young striker has the chance to do the same.

'I've already been asked by Wales to go and play for them,' said Nardiello,

'I've spoken to Mark Hughes about the Under-21s and he has told me to go away and think about it, which is what I am doing at the moment.'

You live and you learn.

'Ruud's all-round finishing is fantastic. He's got everything. Ole always seems to hit the ball early and I've played with Diego Forlan a few times and his touch and awareness are second to none.

'Having them around gives you something to aim for and aspire to; you want to be as good as them if not better. You watch them and learn, then hopefully get better by playing alongside them.'

'It's certainly something to tell your friends that you've been training with Rio Ferdinand and Laurent Blanc,' he said.

'They are the best defenders in the world, so it's bound to improve your game.

'I haven't come up against anything better than them in matches, so training with them is great for me.'