Real Madrid's forgotten forward Javier Saviola insists he still has a job to do for the club, and hopes coach Bernd Schuster will turn to him in the absence of the injured Ruud van Nistelrooy.
The 26-year-old is yet to start a game this season for the Spanish champions and has amassed a total playing time of just 52 minutes in four appearances from the bench.
With Van Nistelrooy reportedly having flown to the United States today for a consultation on his injured knee, Saviola has one less person ahead of him in the Madrid pecking order.
Saviola still has to compete with club captain Raul and the in-form Gonzalo Higuain, but he insists he has not given up hope of making a place for himself in the side.
He told Spanish newspaper AS: "Of course I'm sorry about my team-mate's injury and I hope Ruud gets better soon because he's such an important player for us, but there are three forwards left now and Schuster can count on all of us and be calm.
"Right now I'm feeling very confident. I know there'll be times in the year when we'll need to be ready.
"I came on and did well against Malaga, I moved well and I thought I had a good game. I hope the coach now counts on me and I can show people that I can play for Real Madrid."
Saviola's options may become more limited in the near future after reports suggested Madrid have completed the signing of promising Brazilian youngster Alipio Duarte Brandao.
The 16-year-old Rio Ave forward, who was reportedly also a target for Chelsea, has been likened to Portugal winger Cristiano Ronaldo.
However, the player himself insists he most resembles another Ronaldo - the former Brazil international and one-time Madrid forward.
"My main characteristics are my ability, speed and eye for goal," he told Spanish Eurosport. "I know that Ronaldo played for Real Madrid and I hope to reach his level. He is my idol."
Madrid have yet to officially confirm the signing. However, it is becoming more likely that the club will make some movement in the coming transfer window as their injury worries continue to mount.
Dutch winger Arjen Robben is on the sidelines along with Van Nistelrooy, while it was also reported today that midfielder Mahamadou Diarra will be out for two to three weeks with a thigh injury.
With Van Nistelrooy reportedly having flown to the United States today for a consultation on his injured knee, Saviola has one less person ahead of him in the Madrid pecking order.
Saviola still has to compete with club captain Raul and the in-form Gonzalo Higuain, but he insists he has not given up hope of making a place for himself in the side.
He told Spanish newspaper AS: "Of course I'm sorry about my team-mate's injury and I hope Ruud gets better soon because he's such an important player for us, but there are three forwards left now and Schuster can count on all of us and be calm.
"Right now I'm feeling very confident. I know there'll be times in the year when we'll need to be ready.
"I came on and did well against Malaga, I moved well and I thought I had a good game. I hope the coach now counts on me and I can show people that I can play for Real Madrid."
Saviola's options may become more limited in the near future after reports suggested Madrid have completed the signing of promising Brazilian youngster Alipio Duarte Brandao.
The 16-year-old Rio Ave forward, who was reportedly also a target for Chelsea, has been likened to Portugal winger Cristiano Ronaldo.
However, the player himself insists he most resembles another Ronaldo - the former Brazil international and one-time Madrid forward.
"My main characteristics are my ability, speed and eye for goal," he told Spanish Eurosport. "I know that Ronaldo played for Real Madrid and I hope to reach his level. He is my idol."
Madrid have yet to officially confirm the signing. However, it is becoming more likely that the club will make some movement in the coming transfer window as their injury worries continue to mount.
Dutch winger Arjen Robben is on the sidelines along with Van Nistelrooy, while it was also reported today that midfielder Mahamadou Diarra will be out for two to three weeks with a thigh injury.
Copyright (c) Press Association
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