Beckham confident Galaxy will improve under Gullit

HONOLULU (Reuters) - David Beckham believes this week's inaugural Pan-Pacific Championship in Hawaii can provide the catalyst for a successful second season with the Los Angeles Galaxy.

England midfielder Beckham's first campaign in Major League Soccer was severely restricted by knee and ankle injuries, but he is confident of a better showing under new coach Ruud Gullit in 2008.

The 32-year-old will play his first match in two months against Japanese J-League side Gamba Osaka at Honolulu's Aloha Stadium on Wednesday (4 a.m. Thursday British time), with a place in the tournament final at stake.

MLS champion Houston Dynamo takes on Australian A-League team Sydney FC in the second semi-final later that night (6:30 a.m. Thursday British time).

Asked if he expected major improvement from the Galaxy this year following their failure to reach the MLS playoffs, Beckham said: "There has to be.

"It is a fresh start with a new manager, a new regime and a new togetherness. Many things have already changed, definitely for the good, and we want to build momentum and start winning things."

MATCH FITNESS

The Galaxy has concentrated on building fitness since returning from their off-season two weeks ago, with Beckham having also trained with English Premier League leaders Arsenal for several weeks prior to flying back to the United States

"We are not match-fit yet," he said.