Carrick out for revenge: United midfielder determined to keep Xavi and Iniesta quiet this time

27 May 2009 12:04
Michael Carrick believes the experience of playing against Spain for England three months ago will stand him in good stead as he prepares to do battle with Barcelona's midfield stars Xavi and Andreas Iniesta in Rome tonight. The Manchester United midfielder was a member of Fabio Capello's team that lost to the Euro 2008 Champions in February - when he spent most of the game chasing Xavi and Iniesta's shadows. But Carrick feels he has benefited from the humiliation in Seville and is hoping to put it to good use by keeping the duo quiet in Rome tonight. He said: 'They are good players and showed that when I played against them for England. Obviously playing that game doesn't have any relevance to what will happen in the final, but I know the strengths they have and I am looking forward to facing them again. 'As a player I want to test myself against the very best on the big occasion. They are certainly up there as individuals with the football they play, it presents a different challenge.'

Source: Daily_Mail