BBC SPORT | EURO2000 | EURO2000 | Pele praises McManaman and Larsson

Henrik Larsson's cause has been taken up by none other than Brazilian legend Pele.

And Steve McManaman has caught the great man's eye as well: "Four year's ago when England were the hosts, McManaman was one of the players who impressed me most in the tournament," said Pele.

"He had great pace and skill and wasn't afraid to take defenders on and beat them. I love to see that in a player, and so do the fans."

And McManaman may be surprised to know that Pele appears to have been following his career closely: "I don't know what happened to McManaman in the last few years, but he fell below that Euro 96 level.

Steve McManaman

"One of the finest players in Europe"

"However, I see he is back where he should be as one of the finest players in Europe."

Larsson has made a miraculous recovery from the horrific broken leg he suffered last October against Lyon.

The Celtic player was given a 25 minute run-out against Spain on Saturday, and Pele believes Larsson's talent is worth a chance.

"He had the injury, but if I were the coach I might take the risk," Pele told the Daily Record.

Henrik Larsson

Pele is looking forward to seeing Larsson play

"You have 22 players and you can take a risk with one; otherwise after only three matches it might be too late.

"I think that coaches sometimes need to show more courage.

"Hopefully Larsson will have recovered from his injury problems and will be able to play a significant role in the championships because he is one I am looking forward to seeing."

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