Keegan hails Macca Euro display

McManaman's stunning volley in Real Madrid's win

England coach Kevin Keegan was full of praise for Steve McManaman after watching him help Real Madrid win the Champions' League final.

McManaman was one of the stars of the show as Real beat Valencia 3-0 in Paris, with his volley being the pick of the goals.

The former Liverpool star is now guaranteed a place in Kevin Keegan's Euro 2000 squad.

Keegan confirmed as much when he said: "Steve McManaman was tremendous and, if he wasn't the man-of-the-match, then I don't know who was - and there were a lot of great performances from Real Madrid players.

McManaman celebrates in Paris

"We are absolutely delighted for him. We are looking forward to seeing him join up with the squad and bringing the extra confidence with him that he will have gained from such a great result and performance.

"But I have told him to go and enjoy whatever the Spanish do after they have won something, go back and celebrate the occasion with his team-mates whom he seems to be getting on fantastically well with.

"I want him to go and enjoy things and I know what it is like to play in a foreign side in a European Cup final.

"Then he can come and join us, watch the Brazil game with us - which he will not be considered for - and then hopefully focus on Euro 2000."

Steve McManaman was tremendous and if he wasn't the man-of-the-match, then I don't know who was

Kevin Keegan

Speaking after the final at the Stade de France, a delighted McManaman said: "This is without a doubt the biggest game I've ever played in and the fact that we've come out winners is fantastic."

McManaman is now hoping to play an integral part of England's campaign at Euro 2000, with Keegan most likely to utilise him on the left flank.

"There's no problem, as long as I play it will be fantastic. I know the lads are watching in Burnham and hopefully I'll see them at the weekend."