To most observers, the key reason behind David Beckham's short-term switch to AC Milan could scarcely be more obvious: to keep fit and stay in the frame for England selection. That, and because Posh was bored of LA.

And yet on the eve of Becks' Serie A debut, Carlo Ancelotti stressed that the former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder would not merely be chasing a Three Lions spot during his San Siro stay.

"David Beckham is not here to prepare for England," the Milan coach said in The Daily Mail. "He is here to play for AC Milan and he will have as much playing time as he shows himself to be capable of while he is with us."

Prior to his loan move from Major League Soccer, there were strong suggestions that Beckham was nudged toward the Rossoneri by the club's former coach, Fabio Capello.

The England boss recently declared that he would only choose the 34-year-old if he was playing regular top-flight football - and that means more starts than late cameos.

But Ancelotti revealed yesterday that his new superstar recruit wouldn't make the first XI against Roma, and he has now made it plain that Don Fabio's wishes will have no bearing on his team selections.

He added, "If Fabio Capello wants information on Beckham then I will give him information. That's it."