Former Newcastle United and Charlton Athletic goalkeeper Tony Caig says LA Galaxy's David Beckham has been a huge success for soccer in the USA. The Houston Dynamo keeper told the Cumbrian News: "His quality on the ball was what you would expect. He's been great for the MLS as he's really raised its profile.

"In Los Angeles, the closer you get to the stadium, the more you can see the Beckham-mania. His face is all over billboards and, when you're warming up, you know without looking that he's stepped out on to the pitch because of all the cheering and girls screaming.

"That's what the MLS wanted when they brought him in, and he has delivered.

"When clubs want to promote games against LA Galaxy, they just throw in that Becks is coming to town and the tickets are snapped up.

"In Britain we all knew what he was - one of the best footballers in the world and the best crosser in the world. America is getting a taste of that.

"He's proved himself to be a great professional with great qualities who gives everything to the team.

"Until he went over to America, people didn't talk about the MLS, apart from those involved in it. Now everyone talks about it."

Of his own future, Caig admits he could return to the UK this year.