Butragueno backs Real Madrid's Woodgate over Luxemburgo

Real Madrid chiefs are ready to go into bat for Jonathan Woodgate as coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo demands the defender play with the kids to prove his fitness.
 
"He hasn't played a game for 15 months," declared Luxemburgo last week. "He must start again with the juniors of 14 and 15 years of age, then the 17s, later the reserves."

"He must recover his confidence in his ability. I don't know when he can return."

But Real vice-president Emilio Butragueno dismissed Luxemburgo's claims, saying yesterday: "Those are the words of Luxemburgo."

"Woodgate is a first team player and he cannot play in the seconds, that's to begin with. Woodgate needs to find his form, but he cannot play in the juniors. The doctors are optimistic and we also."

"The player is working very well, with much motivation. And he is optimistic. We think that everything is going to work out well."

Real Madrid's Copa del Rey tie on August 31 is being considered as Woodgate's comeback match.