Whilst Jonny Evans has been great when called upon this season, every red should have their fingers crossed that the injury plagued Rio Ferdinand is fit for the European Cup final next week.
The calming influence Ferdinand has with his ability to command the back line is going to be vital when facing the attacking flair Barcelona have on offer.
Our defender, who should be given the captaincy from the start of next season, has today claimed there’s no way he will be missing out on playing in Rome.
“I’m fine,” said Rio. “I trained with the ball today and did some running, so I’m doing all the movements I need to be doing before a game. I’ve not thought about not playing in the final. It’s as simple as that. No chance. Physically I’d be able to do it, no problem. This has been perhaps the hardest and most important injury battle of my career. There is so much at stake. But I haven’t even thought much about the final. I have been so engrossed in my injury that I haven’t thought about much else. I will start thinking about the actual match when I am sitting on the plane to Rome.”
