Beckham: I can prove critics wrong

David Beckham has vowed to prove his critics wrong and show that he can still have an impact at the highest level.

Having been dropped by England and relegated to the substitutes bench at Real Madrid in recent times, Beckham's star appears to be on the wane.

However, the 31-year-old midfielder said: "I will work hard and try to prove people wrong. It's up to me to prove to people that I can do it, and I am confident I can."

Beckham has been used mainly as a substitute this season under new Real coach Fabio Capello, and the former England captain has admitted it is a frustrating situation for him to be in.

However, being consigned to the sidelines is not a new experience for Beckham, who was also benched by former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson in his last season at Old Trafford.

"It was similar," he admits. "I worked hard when that happened and I got back into the team. I missed out for the game against Real Madrid and the game against Arsenal, but after that and I got back into the team and we won the league.

"But this happens in footballers' lives, it doesn't matter who you are.

"If you look at Ryan Giggs. In my last years there, Giggs was being criticised and look at him now, he is one of the best players at the moment and in his best form with Manchester United."