Caniggia hopes to grab 'last chance'

Claudio Caniggia still hopes to reach World Cup Finals

Comeback man Claudio Caniggia has admitted he must grab his last genuine chance to force his way into Argentina's World Cup squad.

The 35-year-old Rangers striker will make his first appearance for his country after a five-year absence in Cardiff against Wales.

The veteran hitman, who has fought back from a drugs ban via the route of Scottish football, sees the game at the Millennium Stadium as his "last chance" of going to the Far East.

Caniggia's recall has shocked many in his homeland.

But the man who shot to fame after Italia 90 said: "My opportunity to play for the international side again is a fantastic moment for me and it has filled me with a lot of joy.

I will be doing my best to finish my international career in the 2002 finals

Claudio Caniggia

"There's a very short time between now and the start of the World Cup, so I have a lot to prove, but I have not given up hope and I will be doing my best to try and get into the final squad," he added.

Caniggia is likely to start up front alongside 20-year-old Javier Saviola, the £19m Barcelona striker.

He said: "This is the last chance I have to express my talents to the manager. But at 35 I am as fit as I ever was and will be doing my best to finish my international career in the 2002 finals."

Caniggia knows that the game in Cardiff will also provide the Argentines with the perfect dress rehearsal for their game with England.

"I know the coach sees this game as a chance to experience a match against the same sort of Premiership players we will face when we play England in the World Cup finals in Japan."

Meanwhile, Caniggia has quashed suggestions he will return to play in the Argentine League after his Rangers contract ends.

"I have a two-year contract at Rangers and if I do end up going anywhere else after that, it will be in European football," he added.