Ferdinand vows to be fit for World Cup

Rio Ferdinand has vowed to return to action for Manchester United in plenty of time to ensure he can make England’s squad for the World Cup in South Africa next year.

The centreback has been sidelined since United’s 2-0 loss at Liverpool in October following a recurrence of a back injury which was linked to a calf problem he was simultaneously experiencing.

The complex nature of the injury and Ferdinand’s age — he is 31 — has led to speculation that he could struggle to satisfy England coach Fabio Capello that he can be relied on for what will potentially be a month-long campaign in South Africa.

But Ferdinand dismissed such fears at the London launch of his Live the Dream charity foundation.

“I’m confident I’ll be fit. There’s no question I’ll be ready for next summer,” Ferdinand told reporters, although he was unable to put a timeframe on his return to action with United.

“It’s the worst thing for a player to be injured and to be just watching your team, so I’ve been working hard in the gym to get fit,” said Ferdinand.

“The treatment on my injury is going well. It’s been quite slowly slowly but we’re getting there.

“I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. It’s been a tough and long lay-off for me because I have never been injured before.”

Ferdinand’s absence has coincided with injuries to a number of his fellow defenders at United with the result that Michael Carrick has been deployed as a makeshift centreback in recent matches.

“Michael Carrick’s done a great job filling in at centre half, so has Darren Fletcher at right back so I’m glad for them,” Ferdinand said. “That’s what Manchester United is all about, it’s all about the team effort.”