McCLAIR AND BRADY TO GRACE CHAMPIONS YOUTH CUP

McClair, who secured his place in the Old Trafford history books when he became the first player since the legendary George Best to score 20 league goals in a season, is currently the Director of the Youth Academy at Manchester United.

He will be in Malacca closely watching the progress of the Manchester United youngsters who have been drawn in Group C along with FC Porto, Internazionale and Boca Juniors.

By the time McClair left in 1998, the prolific striker had made over 300 appearances and helped himself to a staggering 126 goals in a sensational 11-year spell at the club.

His accolades include three FA Cup medals (1990, 1994 and 1996), the 1992 League Cup title (he netted the winning goal against Nottingham Forest in the final), four Premier League titles (1993, 1994, 1996, 1997) and the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup medal in 1991.

Prior to joining Manchester United, McClair (pic) had already won the Scottish Cup in 1985 and the Championship in 1986.

In 1987 he was voted Scotland’s Player of the Year and in the same year, decided to join United for a fee of £850,000.

He became an instant hit, scoring a then record 24 goals in the league in his debut season.

McClair, who had 30 caps for Scotland including playing in the 1992 European Cup, left the club in 1998 and rejoined his first club, Motherwell.

Later the same year, he joined Blackburn as an assistant coach before returning to Old Traffrord in 2001 for what has now developed into a successful career for the star.

“McClair was a tremendous player during his heydays. He was also a huge name in Malaysia and I am certain there are many fans here who will be thrilled to know he will be in the country during the Champions Youth Cup,” said Gifted Group Malaysia’s Dato Phan Boon Siong.

Another former star who has also confirmed he will be attending the Champions Youth Cup this year is former Irish international and Gunners ace, Liam Brady. The midfielder, who dazzled millions with his elegant skills, is presently serving as the Head of Youth Development at Arsenal.

As a player, the Dublin-born Brady bagged an FA Cup title with Arsenal (1979) and later two Serie A trophies (1981 and 1982) with Juventus.

Brady, who made 235 appearances for Arsenal between 1973 to 1980 before heading to Juventus later also, had stints with Sampdoria, Internazionale, Ascoli and finally West Ham United.

On the coaching front, after stints with Celtic and Brighton & Hove Albion, he took over the Arsenal academy in 1996.

Under him, the youth sides have performed remarkably well and have won several tournaments.

In addition, to McClair and Brady, all the other participating clubs, with the exception of Malaysia and Qatar, will be led by an “ambassador”.

Some of the other ambassadors who have confirmed they will be in Malaysia are Beppe Baresi (Inter Milan), Filippo Galli (AC Milan), Amara Simba (PSG), Edward Sturing (PSV), Raul Plasmann (Flamengo), Kern Werner (Bayern), Julio Alberto Moreno Casas (Barcelona), Michaelangello Rampulla (Juventus), Giuseppe Baresi (Porto) and Frank Arnesen (Chelsea).

Several others have yet to be confirmed.

Tickets for the Champions Youth Cup are available at Watson’s outlets in the Klang Valley, Kuching, Kuantan, Alor Star and Malacca.

Tickets are priced at RM12 for which fans will be able to watch two matches.

For further information on tickets, please call 1-300-88-2383 or go to www.thechampionsyouthcup.com