DAVID BECKHAM is sure of his golden ticket to the World Cup after being promised regular first-team football with AC Milan.
The LA Galaxy star is back in Italy for a second loan spell and could play for the Rossoneri against Genoa at the San Siro tonight.
England boss Fabio Capello warned Becks he needs to be playing regularly in Europe if he is to make the squad for South Africa.But Milan coach Leonardo revealed he expects Beckham to be more than just a bit-part player as AC look to hunt down bitter rivals Inter at the top of Serie A.
And the former Brazil star also left the door open for Beckham to make a permanent move to the San Siro after the World Cup.Beckham made 20 appearances under Carlo Ancelotti in last season's loan stint with Milan.Although Ancelotti is now at Chelsea, it appears his successor is happy with the loan deal.
Leonardo said: "We have a lot of matches and he will have a lot of football over the next few months.
"David will have plenty of opportunities because there is no doubt he is going to be an extremely important player for us over the rest of the season. David wants to be one of the group and he will give 100 per cent. I can see that.
"Not many English players do well in Serie A. That is true. But Beckham has adapted his life here. He has created a good relationship with everyone.
"He trains hard, he sacrifices himself. He works hard and does everything we ask.
"It is impossible for a player like him not to be successful.
"He is always motivated which is very special.
"We have created a good relationship with him from the last time.
"I genuinely believe David feels at home here, which is important.
"David has been here over a week now and he has not lost his condition since playing in the US.
"So it is not a problem if he needs to play a full match. He has impressed me in all his training sessions.
"As for his long-term future, we will have to wait. Last time, he arrived to play for three months and he stayed a lot longer and was a key man behind us qualifying for the Champions League.
"So, he'll have this spell and then we will see."
Beckham looked set to be on the bench tonight in the first round of Serie A games since the Christmas break.
But with Andrea Pirlo and Clarence Seedorf both carrying knocks there is a chance he could start against Genoa.Second-placed Milan are eight points behind Jose Mourinho's Inter, although they have a game in hand.And Milan know they can afford no more mistakes if they are to keep their hopes alive of winning the Scudetto.Leonardo also admitted he could be ready to use Beckham in a variety of positions - including right-back and in Pirlo's role behind the main striker.
He added: "David is a versatile player and I would not have a problem putting him in at right-back or in a more advanced role."
