By Gary Spate
December 31 2003

MANCHESTER UNITED rightback Gary Neville has admitted that the club will "really miss" Rio Ferdinand if the England centre-back's eight-month ban for a missed drugs test is upheld. Ferdinand will appeal against the ban which will keep him out for eight months beginning on January 12th and for the moment will also be barred from playing for England during the Euro 2004 championships in Portugal in June.

"We would really miss Rio if he was to be banned from January, although I think Wes Brown coming back is a big plus for us anyway. He is a top-class defender," said Gary Neville.

Neville also praised United's new goalkeeper Tim Howard who has made an exciting start to his Manchester United career.

"I can't believe the way Tim has settled in," said Neville. "I can't speak highly enough of his performances. His concentration levels are fantastic.

"One of the biggest plusses of the first half of our season (has been) the performances of Rio Ferdinand, Mikael Silvestre and Tim."

Bookmark or share this story with:

• Digg
• Delicious
• Facebook
• Reddit
• Stumbleupon
• Tweet