Beckham set for Ibrox as Milan agree friendly

David Beckham is set to play against Rangers at Ibrox, after the club confirmed a friendly against Milan in February. The former England captain will join the Italian club on a short-term loan during the Major League Soccer off-season next month. Milan will travel to Glasgow for the friendly on Wednesday 4 February.

Beckham, 33, was given permission to sign for Milan on loan from LA Galaxy in order to maintain his fitness as he attempts to reclaim a place in the England squad. As well as the former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder, the Serie A club also boast players of the calibre of Kaka, Ronaldinho and the defender Paolo Maldini in their line-up.

Sadly for Rangers fans, the former Ibrox player Gennaro Gattuso will be unable to take the field after being ruled out for a number of months with knee ligament damage.

The chief executive Martin Bain said: "We are delighted to announce AC Milan will be visiting Ibrox next February. With tickets going on sale this week, it is the ideal last-minute Christmas gift – and I know this match will really capture the imagination. Milan are a club with a rich history and tradition like Rangers – and with players like David Beckham, Ronaldinho and Kaka set to feature, I am sure there will be phenomenal interest in the game. David Beckham has arguably been the most famous footballer in the world in recent years, and supporters of all ages will be eager to see him in the flesh."

* The Scottish Premier League has confirmed there will be no winter break next season, although it may be back the following year. The SPL made the announcement at the same time as revealing that the 2009-10 Clydesdale Bank Premier League campaign will kick off on 8 August and conclude on the weekend on 8 May.