Sir Alex Ferguson has lauded Ryan Giggs as a "model" professional as the Manchester United winger prepares to join a select band who have made 100 Champions League appearances.
Giggs, 34, was rested for the FA Cup victory against Arsenal at the weekend so he would be in the best possible shape to face Lyon in the first leg of the knockout phase tomorrow.
The Welsh star's career at the top level of European club competition has spanned 15 years and shows no sign of slowing down.
Ferguson said: "There are only a few players who have reached that milestone.
"That is because of Ryan's ability, his longevity and how he prepares - you just have to look at his lifestyle.
"He is obviously at a successful club as well and for me he has been an absolute model in his time with us. Even at 34 we expect big things from him.
"We do not play him in every game but that is natural for someone of his age - but he will play tomorrow.
"It will be a great occasion for Ryan and we are all proud of him."
Ferguson believes the bigger the game the better Giggs performs - and he has gone on to become United's most decorated player.
Giggs has chalked up a staggering 526 appearances, 63 as a substitute, for United and scored 143 goals.
He is adding another string to his bow by becoming the first from the club to reach the century mark in the Champions League.
Ferguson feels the player's ambition matches his own.
The Old Trafford boss gave an insight into his aims when he was starting out at lowly Scottish side East Stirling.
"I wanted to be in this type of competition, playing against the best teams in the world," said the United boss.
"Footballers with real vision think the same way. They have a real purpose in life and want to play in the biggest tournaments.
"Ryan has reserved his best performances for the big occasions.
"When players are asked to be challenged in a big way, it is in European football.
"You talk about the great nights at Old Trafford and the atmosphere there.
"It can only be because the right type of players are playing on that stage and Ryan has produced many great moments."
Ferguson has a host of options in France as all his big-hitters - apart from injured duo Gary Neville and Mikael Silvestre - are available.
Leading scorer Cristiano Ronaldo has recovered from the stomach virus that saw him sidelined at the weekend.
Carlos Tevez and Owen Hargreaves could return to the starting line-up after being rested.
While United were cruising to victory against Arsenal, Lyon suffered a surprise defeat to Le Mans and are now only one point clear of Bordeaux at the top of the table.
However, they have already shown their strength of character in the Champions League after losing their first two group games to Barcelona and Rangers.
Under former Portsmouth coach Alain Perrin they bounced back and took 10 points from their next four games.
Crucially they gained revenge against Rangers at Ibrox to secure their passage into the last 16.
According to United's French full-back Patrice Evra, Lyon provide difficult opposition.
He said: "Everyone is tipping us to win but you have to remember that Lyon have won the title six years in a row.
"I am sure they will play better than they did against Le Mans.
"While we are not afraid of Lyon they will get respect as we do not want to be surprised by them."
Manchester United v. Lyon: Head-to-Head
Manchester United travel to the Stade Gerland confident of earning a result to take home for the Champions League last-16 second leg in a fortnight.
Here, PA Sport takes a look at the two clubs.
MANAGERS
Lyon boss Alain Perrin has a mixed reputation, with his stock in England being low due to his inglorious spell at Portsmouth. However his reputation is better in France, leading Sochaux to cup glory and just about maintaining Lyon's Ligue 1 lead since succeeding Gerard Houllier.
Nothing can be said about Sir Alex Ferguson that has not already been said. The managerial nonpareil is seemingly as good as ever, winning the title last season while building a team for the future with the likes of Owen Hargreaves, Anderson and Nani all settling in quickly.
EUROPEAN PEDIGREE
Every season Lyon are tipped to finally make the breakthrough to become serious contenders and each year they never quite make it. Their sole 'triumph' in Europe is a measly Intertoto Cup win in 1997, which was purely a route into the UEFA Cup.
United's record in Continental competition is up there near the best having won the European Cup in each of its formats in 1968 and 1999 and the Cup Winners' Cup in 1991. However, their failure to reach a final since the turn of the Millennium is a source of frustration for Ferguson.
FORM
After running away with Ligue 1 in recent seasons Lyon are making harder work of it this campaign, currently leading the table by a single point from Bordeaux in second. They squeezed past Rangers to reach the last-16 of the Champions League but lost 1-0 to Le Mans in league action at the weekend.
Despite trailing Arsenal by five points at the Premier League summit United are in good form after a 4-0 hammering of the Gunners in the FA Cup fifth round at the weekend. A 2-1 derby defeat by Manchester City in their previous outing will hearten Lyon, though.
Manchester United v. Lyon: Key Battles
Premier League champions Manchester United face perennial dark horses Lyon at the Stade Gerland tomorrow night and would be happy taking any sort of lead home for the second leg at Old Trafford.
PA Sport considers three key battles likely to be contested.
SEBASTIEN SQUILLACI V WAYNE ROONEY
Squillaci, 27, has featured in every Champions League game this season after Claudio Cacapa's move to Newcastle gave him more first-team opportunities alongside gangly Brazilian Anderson in the heart of defence. He is likely to be pulled here, there and everywhere by the roaming Rooney tomorrow night after the Liverpudlian's burst of superb form, culminating in Saturday's FA Cup win over Arsenal.
HATEM BEN ARFA V WES BROWN
Lyon have struggled to dominate the French league this season compared to previous campaigns but the emergence of young left-winger Hatem Ben Arfa has been a huge plus. He has delivered on the potential shown last season to provide goals, pace and an abundance of intuitive creativity. Brown has performed well deputising for Gary Neville at right-back but will face one of his sternest tests against the diminutive Frenchman of Tunisian descent.
KARIM BENZEMA V RIO FERDINAND
Like Ben Arfa, 20-year-old forward Benzema has reportedly attracted the interest of United boss Sir Alex Ferguson. Well-built but quick, Benzema is incredibly skilful and able to play anywhere along the front line but his supreme finishing means he invariably plays as a central striker. Ferdinand will need to team up with partner-in-crime Nemanja Vidic to keep Benzema under wraps, while Ben Arfa and Sidney Govou will attack from either side.
