MANCHESTER'S rival bosses, Stuart Pearce and Alex Ferguson admit they would have no qualms about throwing their new signings into Saturday's heated derby.

That means the Blues' new left winger Albert Riera could start against United who may have Patrice Evra playing in defence on the opposite flank.

Riera's international clearance on his loan move from Espanyol has come through, allowing the 23-year-old to play on Saturday.

He faces competition from Sun Jihai, Lee Croft and Darius Vassell for the left sided role.

But, Vassell is expected to play in his natural striking role, Sun Jihai likely to play at right back and Lee Croft probably again on the bench, Rieras chances of starting look good.

So do Evra's after he missed a planned Carling Cup debut against Blackburn Rovers because his registration was not received in time.

Although the 24-year-old did not get his first sight of English action until he made the trip to Ewood Park on Wednesday, his experience as a Champions League finalist with Monaco means Ferguson has no qualms about throwing him into such a high-profile confrontation.

"I have no problem playing him in the derby," said the United chief.

"The experience Patrice has gathered over the last three years at Monaco is very good.

"He has played in a Champions League final. When you have that kind of experience there are no fears about playing in a derby game.

"He understands there is far more intensity about the game than you would normally get in the French league. But Monaco play in derby games against Nice and Marseille, so he knows what a derby game entails."

For his part, Evra is hoping his move to Old Trafford will re ignite an international career which has stalled since he was axed by current coach Raymond Domenech in 2004.

"I was consistent with my form at Monaco and by repeating that consistent form here, and hopefully playing as regularly as possible, and with it obviously being a bigger club, I think it is more striking for an international manager," he said.

"Hopefully, with all that taken into account, it will be difficult for him not to take me."