Pique to seize chance

Red Devils stopper keen to end frustration

By James Pearson   Last updated: 8th April 2008

Gerard Pique Manchester United training

Pique: Ready to seize chance

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Manchester United's Spanish defender Gerard Pique is ready to seize his first-team chance following the weekend injury to Rio Ferdinand.

Pique is likely to start for The Red Devils alongside Wes Brown against Roma on Wednesday with Ferdinand joining Nemanja Vidic on the sidelines last week.

Ferdinand hobbled out of United's 2-2 draw with Middlesbrough, although his loss did not weaken Sir Alex Ferguson's side with Pique impressing off the bench late on.

Former Barcelona youngster Pique has been waiting in the wings for some time for a chance and has no intention of letting this current opportunity to impress slip through his fingers.

"I'm ready," said Pique. "I've waited a long time to get a chance in a game like this. It's what I dreamt of when I left Barcelona.

"It's been frustrating because the manager told me in the summer that I would figure in his plans but Rio and Vida have been playing so well that I haven't had a chance.

"We are more mature as a team this season. People said we struggled last year when Rio and Vida were injured and we were knocked out of the Champions League by Milan but I think we are stronger now."