Martin Odegaard has revealed his delight after starting Real Madrid's first pre-season match in Australia on Saturday.

The 16-year-old was given a midfield role for the clash with Roma in Melbourne, fuelling suggestions that he will be part of Rafael Benitez's plans next season.

"It was really good to debut with the stars. I did not think that I was going to start and it was really fun," Odegaard told reporters.

"The trip is a very good experience for me. I trained well and to be part of the team is good for me. We are working well and training hard."

Odegaard became Real Madrid's youngest ever first-team player when he debuted in the Spanish club's final league game of the 2014-15 season against Getafe.