Beckham takes centre stage for Real

DAVID BECKHAM does not expect to command a central midfield role for Real Madrid despite a ringing endorsement yesterday from coach Carlos Queiroz.

Queiroz hailed Beckham's "great game" as the England skipper dispelled any lingering doubts as to the credibility of his over-hyped £25 million move to the Spanish champions earlier this summer.

While Queiroz has long known what Beckham is capable of following their time together last season at Manchester United, the 27-year-old had still to prove himself to his new team-mates.