Thursday Sep 29 2005 10:22
Manchester City youngster Stephen Jordan has insisted he is ready for his first taste of the big time in Sunday's derby clash at
Old trafford.
The 22-year-old full-back made his first Premiership start in the 1-1 draw against Norwich City on Monday and, with Ben Thatcher still injured, will get another chance to impress against Manchester United.
It is an opportunity he intends to make the most of, even though he will be handed the task of marking either Ryan Giggs or Cristiano Ronaldo.
"It will be a daunting task to be up against the likes of those two but that is what we are trained for - to try and stop players like that," Jordan told the Manchester Evening News.
"Working towards the derby this week has not been that different, a bit like a normal week in some ways in what we have been doing on the training ground.
"But there has been an obvious buzz about Carrington and everyone looks forward to playing United, as it is one of the biggest games of the season. From that point of view it is different.
"As a City supporter coming from a family of Blues it would be a dream come true to play. Hopefully if I am selected then I will grab the chance and try to enjoy the match.
"I have made my first start and come on as a substitute several times. There has not been as much pressure but to start in the derby will create a bit more.
"It is early in the campaign at the moment and I am sure Manchester United will be fired up for it as they want to get back up to challenge Arsenal and Chelsea."
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