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Ferguson lavishes praise on Giggs

  • Story Highlights
  • Man United manager Sir Alex Ferguson praises Welsh winger Ryan Giggs
  • Giggs will join a select band who have played 100 Champions League games
  • United are at near full-strength for Wednesday's last 16 match against Lyon
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MANCHESTER, England -- Sir Alex Ferguson has lauded Ryan Giggs as a "model" professional as the Manchester United winger prepares to join a select band of players who have made 100 Champions League appearances.

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Giggs makes his 100th Champions League appearance for Manchester United against Lyon on Wednesday.

Giggs, 34, was rested for the FA Cup victory against Arsenal at the weekend so he would be in the best possible shape to face Lyon in the first leg of the knockout phase on Wednesday.

The Welsh winger's career at the top level of European club competition has spanned 15 years and shows no sign of slowing down.

Ferguson said: "There are only a few players who have reached that milestone. 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 still 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 tomorrow. It will be a great occasion for Ryan and we are all proud of him."

Meanwhile, Ferguson has a host of options in France as all his major stars -- apart from injured defenders Gary Neville and Mikael Silvestre -- are available.

Top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo has recovered from the stomach virus that saw him sidelined at the weekend, while Carlos Tevez and Owen Hargreaves could return to the starting line-up after being rested.

While United were cruising to their 4-0 victory against Arsenal, Lyon suffered a surprise defeat to Le Mans and are now only one point clear of Bordeaux at the top of the French table. E-mail to a friend E-mail to a friend

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