Ryan Giggs: I'm ready for the big games

Ryan Giggs is 39 next month – but believes he is still the man for the big occasion.

That’s why the Manchester United legend hopes he gets the nod from boss Sir Alex Ferguson to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge today.

Giggs said: “I’d love to play in this game. I have started the last few we’ve had there and I have enjoyed every minute.

“I know it’s hard for the manager. There are a lot of players in good form and a lot of those are midfielders and forwards.

“We’ve got a few problems at centre-half but otherwise nearly everyone is fit.

“I’ve just got to bide my time. It’s not a new thing for me, not getting in the team every week. It’s been happening a bit over a few years – I have got used to it.

“But I don’t worry too much because I know that come the business end of the season I’ll be ready, I’ll be fit and the manager will use me.

“I’m not ready to give up on playing in the big games just yet.

“I am sure that when players finish, it’s the games like this that they miss most of all, so I want to make the most of these occasions.

“I think I provide a bit of experience but I still do what I’ve always done – provide goals and try to score a few.”

"I’m not ready to give up on playing in the big games just yet" - Ryan Giggs

Giggs admits Chelsea are every bit as much a rival now to United as traditional foes Liverpool and Manchester City.

He said: “Historywise, City and Liverpool have always been big games for United.

“But since I’ve been in the team, it’s been Arsenal and then Chelsea who the players have looked at, because they have been our main challengers for trophies.

“Over the last ten years, especially when Jose Mourinho was at the club, Chelsea have been a great side.

“They are changing a little bit now but they still have experience and solidity with the likes of Ashley Cole, John Terry and Frank Lampard.

“They’ve got off to a good start – but it’s a long season.”