Ferdinand raring to go

United

RIO FERDINAND has declared himself fit to face Barcelona in tonight’s Champions League final.

The Manchester United defender has been struggling with a calf injury picked up in the semi–final, second leg at Arsenal earlier this month and did not make Sunday’s Premier League trip to Hull as demanded by Sir Alex Ferguson.

However, it now seems almost certain Ferdinand will face Barcelona as United look to become the first side to defend the European Cup since it was rebranded as the Champions League in 1992.

“The injury is fine,” he said. “I have been training and feel good. I am glad to be back.”

As United’s defence picks itself, with John O’Shea at right–back, and both Michael Carrick and Ryan Giggs expected to be involved from the start, Ferguson’s remaining selection dilemma centres around his strikeforce.

Carlos Tevez and Dimitar Berbatov have both filled the central striker’s role this season, which would mean a place on the bench for either Anderson or Park Ji–sung, who did not even get that far in Moscow 12 months ago.

However, Ferguson is also toying with the idea of using Ronaldo as an orthodox forward and using Park on the right wing.