AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti has included David Beckham in the former Italian champions' UEFA Cup squad even though his current loan from Los Angeles Galaxy ends on March 9.

"We have included him because he is playing well," Ancelotti told Sky.

Milan are desperate to keep the 33-year-old England midfielder, who set up two goals in Sunday's 3-0 win at Lazio, but Galaxy have said he must return in March.

If Beckham leaves in early March, he would be able to play in the away and home legs only of the last 32 tie against Werder Bremen on Feb. 18 and Feb. 26.

Beckham joined Milan to stay in the England reckoning during the long U.S. close season and he is now hopeful of a place in Fabio Capello's squad for the Feb. 11 friendly in Spain.

"Of course I've said before I'm happy to be playing here," said Beckham. "It's a great club with great players and now we are in a good position. I'm taking each game as it comes and enjoying it."

(Xinhua News Agency Feburary 2, 2009)