Reds pair raise hope

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John O'Shea and Jonny Evans climbed aboard Manchester United's flight to Milan this morning with manager Sir Alex Ferguson desperately hoping one of them is fit to face Inter in the Champions League tomorrow.

With Nemanja Vidic suspended and England duo Gary Neville and Wes Brown both ruled out through injury, Ferguson seemed to be facing a defensive crisis when Evans limped out of Saturday's win over Blackburn with an ankle injury, joining O'Shea, who has a sore heel, on the sidelines.

While the fitness of neither can be guaranteed, the mere fact they were able to make the journey suggested Ferguson is optimistic he will be able to call on one of them.

Ferguson is also without youngster Rafael, who picked up a knock against Blackburn, but does have Darren Fletcher available.