Becks' new Real deal

His form on the pitch prompted new Real coach Manuel Garcia Ramon to start with Beckham in the team against Albacete on Saturday despite a four-week absence after breaking two ribs in the 2-0 World Cup qualifying win over Wales at Old Trafford.

Beckham - who came through Sunday's game with no ill-effects - will start against Spain at his home ground.

Spanish coach Luis Aragones, meanwhile, is under pressure to issue a public apology to Thierry Henry over a racist comment he made about the Arsenal striker last month.

Aragones was talking to Henry's Highbury team-mate Jose Antonio Reyes during a training session with the Spain squad and was heard to call the French star a "black shit".

Aragones claimed that it was not intended to be racist but the remark sparked outrage in England, at both the Football Association and Highbury.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger called on him to say sorry to Henry in person.

But as yet, Aragones has only partially apologised and the FA would now like the matter brought to an end with a statement from the coach.

Reyes today labelled Manchester United's England duo Gary Neville and Rio Ferdinand "dirty" after he was targeted by them during the infamous Premiership clash last month. He said: "They were a bit dirty. I hope they don't dish out as many kicks as they did at Old Trafford, because that was incredible.

"I don't think that will be repeated and this game is not going to be a question of vengeance - we'll have that in the Carling Cup," he said.

Spanish football chiefs have slashed prices for tomorrow's clash in the hope of attracting a capacity crowd.

Fans can watch the international friendly for as little as £4.20 and the most expensive seats in the ground will cost just £21.