RAFAEL da Silva should look upon his derby encounter with Craig Bellamy as a vital part of his education. Former United full-back Arthur Albiston is confident the 19-year-old Brazilian will store the experience away and learn from it.

Rafael was downcast after referee Mike Dean penalised him in the key 40th minute tussle that gave City the leg up back into Tuesday's Carling Cup semi final at Eastlands. The teenager and the Blues' wily 30-year-old front-man went shoulder-to-shoulder in the race that led to City's penalty.

Rafael has already overcome one Carling Cup setback this term after being sent off for a professional foul at Old Trafford against Wolves in September. And Albiston has no doubts he will bounce back again.

"Rafa will put the incident behind him. He is a great talent and his ability is second to none. This is all part of the growing up process at Old Trafford," Albiston told M.E.N. Sport. "Rafa is no slouch. He is quick, probably quicker than Craig Bellamy. But Bellamy is experienced and he is also a striker who wants to score goals.