Soccer:Alex Ferguson has spared Park Ji-sung more big-game misery but called on the South Korean to increase his goals output.
Park did not even make the bench when Manchester United won the Champions League final in Moscow last May.
As his ecstatic team-mates cavorted round the Luzhniki Stadium, the former PSV Eindhoven player looked a desperately sad figure on the periphery. But that will not be the case tomorrow.
While Ferguson is still to determine his precise line-up to face South American champions LDU Quito in the Club World final in Yokohama, the Scot has promised Park he will start.
It is a measure of the work Park has put into his game over the summer and the energy he brings to the United side. However, Ferguson admits he does let himself down by not scoring often enough.
The 27-year-old has scored just nine goals in 100 appearances since his arrival from Holland three-and-a-half years ago. It is an output Ferguson thinks should increase.
"I wish he would score more goals — because he does create fantastic opportunities for himself," said Ferguson.
"He is developing slowly but he doesn't need to improve a tremendous amount.
"There are very few players in the game at present that can create space like he does. He has been outstanding in that respect this season and he will definitely play tomorrow."
There are not many of the United squad who can be sure they will start — including Wayne Rooney, who produced a magnificent 18 minute cameo in the semi-final victory over Gamba Osaka.
"I have still to choose my team, and Carlos Tevez did very well on Thursday," added the United boss.
However, with Dimitar Berbatov back in training but lacking the necessary match sharpness for such an occasion, the odds are on Rooney being involved — with Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher also in line to play. Cristiano Ronaldo is almost certain to start as well.