Northern Ireland face a huge test when Italy come to town for their Euro 2012 qualifier – see best odds on every market.

Jose Mourinho has effectively ruled out trying to sign Gareth Bale by giving his backing to Real Madrid left-back Marcelo.

Bale was reported to be a target for Mourinho, who was repeatedly linked with a move for the Tottenham Hotspur player during his time at Inter last season.

Mourinho also spoke of his admiration for Chelsea Ashley Cole after arriving at the Bernabeu over the summer, but he appears to have complete faith in Brazilian Marcelo.

“Madrid are constantly being linked with this player and that player but I want to say that I do not want another left winger,” Mourinho told Gol T. “Marcelo now has offensive quality and defensively he is growing.

“I didn’t like anything about Marcelo when I arrived because I thought he could do everything but defend but now I am a lover of his.”

Northern Ireland face a huge test when Italy come to town for their Euro 2012 qualifier – see best odds on every market.

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