Rafael will learn from Bellamy tussle - Albiston

21 January 2010 14:38
RAFAEL da Silva should look upon his derby encounter with Craig Bellamy as a vital part of his education. Former United full-back Arthur Albiston is confident the 19-year-old Brazilian will store the experience away and learn from it. Rafael was downcast after referee Mike Dean penalised him in the key 40th minute tussle that gave City the leg up back into Tuesday's Carling Cup semi final at Eastlands. The teenager and the Blues' wily 30-year-old front-man went shoulder-to-shoulder in the race that led to City's penalty. Rafael has already overcome one Carling Cup setback this term after being sent off for a professional foul at Old Trafford against Wolves in September. And Albiston has no doubts he will bounce back again. "Rafa will put the incident behind him. He is a great talent and his ability is second to none. This is all part of the growing up process at Old Trafford," Albiston told M.E.N. Sport. "You have to overcome adversity at United and he will. Incidents like Tuesday are highlighted because of the enormity of the game and because it is United. He will be getting used to that kind of exposure and scrutiny. "Rafa is no slouch. He is quick, probably quicker than Craig Bellamy. But Bellamy is experienced and he is also a striker who wants to score goals. "Hats off to Craig because he leant into Rafa and used all his experience. Then it is down to how the referee sees it. "But the problem all started with the fantastic ball behind Rafael and that is something he will have to become very aware of. If you have a combination of Rafa's pace and Gary Neville's experience it would be perfect to look after the City forward. "I think the manager will play Rafa up against Bellamy again next week at Old Trafford because he has the speed to match him or better him. "But if he looks at the incident again and people like Neville and Evra have a little word about that killer ball then he should be okay and it will be something he will look back on as a key part of his education." What do you think? Have your say.

Source: Manchester_EveningNews