RONALDO WANTS QUICK DEBUT FOR PATO

AC Milan striker Ronaldo is convinced his new team-mate and fellow Brazilian Alexandre Pato is already capable of playing in Serie A.

Pato, 17, was signed from Internacional last week but will not be eligible for the Milan first team until after Christmas.

Ronaldo, 30, believes that when he is eligible Pato should immediately be blooded by the Rossoneri.

Ronaldo told www.gazzetta.it: "I think he (Pato) is ready for our championship.

"There are no norms that say if you do not weight enough or are not old enough - it depends what you can do with the ball."

(re-opens) Another AC Milan striker, Alberto Gilardino, also believes Pato has great potential.

"Pato must not fear anything," the Italian World Cup winner told the club's official website, www.acmilan.com.

"I saw him on TV, he has great qualities. We must let him work with tranquility without putting any pressure on him and I think he can become a great player.

"He already is and in this environment he can become even greater."