Paris St Germain boss Carlo Ancelotti reserved special praise for David Beckham after the former England captain played 85 minutes of Wednesday night's 2-0 Coupe de France victory over arch-rivals Marseille.
Beckham joined PSG in January and, having made his debut in a 15-minute cameo off the bench in Sunday's win over the same opposition, was handed his first start by Ancelotti in the last-16 tie. And the Italian was rewarded, Beckham impressing in a deep-lying midfield role as PSG eased through to a quarter-final clash with Evian thanks to two goals from Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
"Beckham played very well, as he usually does," said Ancelotti in L'Equipe. "His passing was good, as was his positioning, and he complemented (Blaise) Matuidi well in midfield. He showed he can play."
Beckham was pleased to have repaid Ancelotti's faith in him.
"I was just very happy to play tonight and to help set up goals for others," he said. "I had a slight hand in the second goal on Sunday and again here so I'm happy.
"I came here knowing that I wouldn't be in the team from the word go. We have a good team and I want to add something to it. If that means starting then great, and if it means being on the bench then great."
Beckham is expected to play a part in PSG's Champions League clash with Valencia next week - his first appearance in Europe's premier club competition since leaving Real Madrid in 2007 - and he is excited at the prospect.
"I played in some big games in the USA but you always miss being involved in big games like this in Europe," he added.
"It is a while since I played in the Champions League so I am excited. It is a big game for the club but it doesn't mean that it will be easy."
PSG go into the second leg of the last-16 tie with a 2-1 advantage but will be without the suspended Ibrahimovic following his red card at the Mestalla.
