Rio Ferdinand still ‘Rolls Royce’ of defenders says Danny Welbeck

DANNY Welbeck has cautioned against writing off his Manchester United team-mate Rio Ferdinand.

Although Ferdinand had featured in three successive United games after recovering from the hamstring injury he suffered in the opening day win at West Brom in August, Fabio Capello decided the 32-year-old was not fit enough for England duty in Montenegro this week.

With an increasing number of younger central defenders – including club-mates Phil Jones and Chris Smalling – appearing on the scene, it raises a question mark over a player who has struggled with injury for three years and has been involved in just 13 of England’s last 35 games. However, Welbeck has struck up a close bond with Ferdinand.

And the 20-year-old believes it is far to early to start dismissing a player of such vast experience. “Rio is a Rolls Royce of a defender,” said Welbeck. “I train with him every day. I know the capabilities that he has. It is wrong to write him off.”

Nevertheless, England will have to do without Ferdinand in Podgorica on Friday, when they require a point to seal a place at Euro 2012. And, although it could be Capello’s last qualifier in charge of the national side, the Italian is pointing towards a future filled with younger players, including Welbeck – who is vying with Andy Carroll, Darren Bent and Bobby Zamora for the right to partner first-choice front-man