AC Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti says David Beckham will start today's game against Roma on the bench.

"He is ready to play," assured Ancelotti. "He has worked very professionally and with real effort, but it will be difficult to start him.

"He will play if he is in the right conditions and if we consider he can give a positive contribution to the match.

"Beckham is a great professional, very committed and we are all happy with him, even if he will only stay at Milan for two months."

The two clubs had agreed Beckham would be back for the MLS season on March 9, but this week former LA Galaxy chief Alexi Lalas suggested a permanent switch was possible.

"If Beckham decided to stay with us then we would all be happy, but his contract is clear and knowing his professionalism I'm sure he will respect it," added Ancelotti.

"In these two months he will work very hard with Milan. The more we know him and his family, the more irritating it is to see all the gossip that surrounds him."