By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me on Twitter @skysportspeteo
Tuesday 26 April 2011 19:55, UK
Image:Ferguson: Timely return
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has hailed the return to fitness of defender Rio Ferdinand ahead of Tuesday's clash with Schalke.
United boss delighted to have defender available
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has hailed the return to fitness of defender Rio Ferdinand ahead of Tuesday's clash with Schalke.
Ferdinand returned to the United starting XI for the the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final win over Chelsea earlier this month.
Ferguson is delighted to have the England star available again and he believes his experience will be vital as United look to take a step closer to the Champions League final at Wembley.
"Rio's ability showed itself in the first leg against Chelsea," said Ferguson. "He was absolutely immense.
"That experience and ability is vital in the situation we are in at the moment. He is fresh and ready to play and that is a big step forward for us."
