AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti hailed striker Andriy Shevchenko's impact on his side's 2-0 win over Lecce.

The Ukrainian striker came off the bench to set up the second goal for Filippo Inzaghi deep into stoppage time after fans unveiled a banner telling the coach he should show Shevchenko more respect.

"Yes, I saw the banner," admitted the Rossoneri coach afterwards. "The fans are still very much attached to Shevchenko, but I have got to say that I am too.

"I have a lot of respect for him and he has made a very important contribution to the team."

Ancelotti also hinted that Shevchenko, who has started only two games so far this season, could get more time on the pitch off the back of this performance.

"I will certainly be taking this into consideration for the coming games," he added.

Another player to have made an impression having not featured heavily in recent games was Ronaldinho.

The Brazilian was introduced early in the second half and went on to score the opening goal, and Ancelotti admitted he was happy with how the forward was progressing after his injury and backed to remain at the club next season.

"We are counting on him next season because he is still young and he is going to find his feet in this squad," he said.

"I can say for certain that he is better now than when he left for international duty. He has worked, played and, although he is not where he was in October, he will get back there soon.

"He had a good first half of the season and then that heal injury kept him out for a month, but it is right that we invest in him for next season."

Another person likely to stay with the Rossoneri next season is Ancelotti himself.

There have been hints at a move away in the summer, but Ancelotti says that - at the moment - he is happy to stay and the club are happy to have him.

"Both the club and I must decide together if I go or not," he said. "It seems that both parties are interested in me staying on."