Beckham to make first start for PSG

Published Feb. 26, 2013 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

David Beckham will make his first start for Paris St Germain in Wednesday's Coupe de France last-16 tie with Marseille at the Parc des Princes, coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed.

Beckham made his first appearance for PSG as a second half substitute in the 2-0 Ligue 1 home win over Marseille on Sunday.

The former Manchester United and England international - who opted for Paris ahead of numerous other offers after the end of his contract with Los Angeles Galaxy in the MLS - could once again face countryman Joey Barton who played for Marseille on Sunday.

Ancelotti told a press conference: "He will start tomorrow. Beckham can play the whole match."

The 37-year-old, who has also played for Real Madrid, did enough to prove to Ancelotti with his performance on Sunday - when he played a part in the second goal after coming on as a 76th minute substitute - that he is ready to start a game.

Ancelotti is bringing Beckham in to replace suspended midfielder Marco Verratti to play alongside Blaise Matuidi or Clement Chantome.

Ancelotti added: "He will play instead of Verratti. This is an important position on the field, it will help the team in building the game and have good positioning. He can play a whole game."