Evra hails ton-up Giggs - Sport in brief - Evening Standard
       

Evra hails ton-up Giggs

Patrice Evra took time out on his return to France to praise his Manchester United team-mate Ryan Giggs, who is set to make his 100th Champions League appearance on Wednesday.

Giggs, 34, should be in good shape to face Lyon in the first leg of the knock-out phase after he was rested for Saturday's FA Cup victory against Arsenal.

And United full-back Evra believes Giggs has helped him grow as a player in his two years at Old Trafford saying: "It is a privilege to play alongside Ryan Giggs and a brilliant experience."

He added: "He is a great player and when I started my career here, I knew I could learn from him.

"It is a great achievement to play 100 games in the Champions League and I am very happy for him."

The Welsh star's career at the top level of European club competition has spanned 15 years and shows no sign of slowing down with manager Sir Alex Ferguson lauding Giggs as an "absolute model".

"There are only a few players who have reached that milestone," said the Old Trafford boss.

"That is because of Ryan's ability, his longevity and how he prepares - you just have to look at his lifestyle.

"He is obviously at a successful club as well and for me he has been an absolute model in his time with us. Even at 34, we expect big things from him.

"We do not play him in every game but that is natural for someone of his age - but he will play against Lyon. It will be a great occasion for Ryan and we are all proud of him."

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