Hitzfeld backs Effenberg

FC Bayern München coach Ottmar Hitzfeld has promised that captain Stefan Effenberg will start Tuesday's UEFA Champions League clash against Manchester United FC.

‘In the starting line-up’
"He will be in the starting line-up," Hitzfeld said of his playmaker, who made a disappointing comeback on Saturday after more than three months on the sidelines with a foot injury as Bayern suffered their second 1. Bundesliga defeat of the season.

100 per cent record
The Munich side surrendered top spot in the league to Bayer 04 Leverkusen after losing 1-0 to SV Werder Bremen on Saturday. Effenberg, who looked far from his best, has now been on the losing side in both the games he has played this season.

Nine in a row
He sustained his injury in Bayern's previous league defeat - a 1-0 reverse against VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach in the first league match of the campaign. Bayern have since shone without him, enjoying nine straight German first division victories and opening the defence of their Champions League title in promising fashion by cruising through to the second stage, which they will start against United at the Olympiastadiom.

‘Be patient’
Hitzfeld acknowledged the 33-year-old Effenberg still needs time to recapture his old form. "He's been out for three months and you have to be patient," the coach said. "I was satisfied with the way he played against Werder. It was one step forward for him. I expect him to take another one against United."

Midfield problems
Hitzfeld, whose side have been decimated by injuries for weeks, still have a midfield problem with Jens Jeremies and Mehmet Scholl both out. Young English international midfield player Owen Hargreaves is expected to play from the start of the match.