Manchester United new boy Chris Smalling can't wait to make debut - goal.com

Manchester United new boy Chris Smalling can't wait to make debut - goal.com

Manchester United new boy Chris Smalling can't wait to pull on the famous red shirt for the first time on the club's North American tour.

Smalling, 20, was signed in a reported £10 million deal from Fulham in the New Year but only joined up with his latest team-mates this month. With established centre backs Rio Ferdinand injured and Nemanja Vidic on holiday after World Cup 2010, the England youth international is expected to debut in tonight's friendly against Celtic in Toronto, Canada.

Speaking to the club's official website, Smalling expressed his excitement on being part of the United set up.

“I can’t wait to pull on the shirt for first time," Smalling said.

“I’m working hard in training and hopefully I’ll get some game time. I’m just really looking forward to getting out there and doing my best for the club.”

The defender also declared he was settling in well with the players and was thrilled to have been selected for the trip.

“The tour’s been a really enjoyable experience so far. It was great to meet everyone, initially at Carrington and then on tour. It’s been good to get away and spend time getting to know the lads," he added.

“I’ve spent quite a bit of time with Wes [Brown] and Jonny [Evans], my fellow centre-backs. And I’ve also been chatting to a lot of the younger lads. It’s just great to get to know everybody and be part of such a great club.

“I can’t quite believe how things have changed for me in the last few years. Going out to Australia with Fulham last summer on tour was a big experience, but to be out here now with the most famous club in the world is fantastic and I’m just looking forward to the games now.”