Ronaldo shrugs off Ferguson fears

Ferguson fears Ronaldo could do more damage to his ankle

Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo insists he is ready to play for Portugal, despite the concerns of his club manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Ronaldo picked up an ankle injury at Blackburn and Ferguson does not want his player unnecessarily risked in the Euro 2008 qualifier against Kazakhstan.

But Ronaldo said: "I am fine. It was just a small knock. I think one day or two will be enough to be back to 100%.

"The only thing I can say is that on Wednesday I will be fine for playing."

606 DEBATE: Should Ronaldo play for Portugal?

Ferguson had earlier said: "It's against Kazakhstan so you would have thought Portugal could handle that without Ronaldo.

"If he has got one of these injuries that is 50-50 I hope he doesn't play."

Meanwhile, Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has tipped Ronaldo to become a future captain of the national side.

"We are currently working on a leadership that will be important for the future of the national team with Ronaldo," said Scolari.

"I would like him to become one of the captains of the national team. He has charisma, he is young but he is learning very fast how to overcome some problems within a team."