Palencia ready to grab Real Madrid chance

Real Madrid youngster Miguel Palencia says he is ready to play from the start if coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo calls on him for this week's clash with Real Betis.

Right-back Palencia became the fifth Real 'B' player to make his senior debut this season when he came on with 35 minutes to go in Saturday's defeat at Deportivo La Coruna.

With Michel Salgado and Raul Bravo both laid low with injury, Luxemburgo is expected to play Palencia from the start against Betis and the 21 year-old said: "At Real Madrid, training can go very quickly and all of a sudden you are playing."

"If I have the chance to play it is important to take advantage of it. I have been hoping for a long time for this chance and if it arrives I will give everything."

Asked about his debut against Depor, he added: "It was very special. President Florentino Perez congratulated me afterwards and Thomas Gravesen never let me lose concentration on the pitch."

"I got back home at 4am and all my family were wide awake ready to greet me."