Silvinho eager for debut

Brazilian full back Silvinho admits he is desperate to make his Barcelona debut.

The former Arsenal defender joined the Catalan giants from Celta Vigo over the summer, but was forced to miss the opening game of the new Liga season against Racing Santander.

He was absent because, at that point, he was still classed as a non-EU player and Barcelona had their quota of 'foreigners'.

But he has now acquired Spanish citizenship and is champing at the bit to make his Barca bow, possibly against Sevilla next weekend.

"The certain thing is that I am waiting for it with a crazy desire," Silvinho told the club's official website.

"I want to be a useful player for the group. Before my debut arrives, I have prepared myself very hard in every training session."

The experienced left back is hoping to crown his first season at Camp Nou with a major title, after coach Frank Rijkaard assembled a quality squad over the summer.

He added: "I hope for the best things. It is necessary to win something."