Rio boost for Leeds

Ferdinand should be fit for the start of the season

Rio Ferdinand played the whole of Leeds United's friendly against Sparta Rotterdam on Friday, suggesting he will be fit for the start of the Premiership season.

Leeds, playing their final pre-season match, thrashed their Dutch opponents 6-1.

But Ferdinand's performance was of most significance to Leeds manager David O'Leary, who already has injury problems in defence.

Lucas Radebe is a doubt for the start of the Premiership season with a knee injury sustained in training and Ferdinand had been regarded as a major doubt with a hamstring injury.

We are confident he (Rio Ferdinand) could be available for the game against Southampton

David O'Leary

Ferdinand's injury meant that he missed United's first four pre-season games and he was not named in England's squad to face Holland.

But having played for 90 minutes in Holland on Friday, Ferdinand now has an excellent chance of playing in the opener at home to Southampton.

"I am delighted he has come through this game. It was a good work-out for him," said O'Leary.

"We will now look at him throughout next week and we are confident he could be available for the game against Southampton."

But Norwegian international Eirik Bakke injured his hamstring in the match and is doubtful for the match with Southampton, while Robbie Keane was substituted after an accidental clash of heads.

Things are looking good and I am pleased with the way we have performed

David O'Leary

Leeds' scored three goals in each half, with Keane scoring a brace and Bakke, Mark Viduka, Ian Harte, and Alan Smith also getting on the scoresheet.

With Leeds' pre-season programme now complete, O'Leary is satisfied with the way his team have prepared for the campaign.

"Being the perfectionist I am there are a number of things I can work on before next Saturday," said O'Leary.

"But things are looking good and I am pleased with the way we have performed in pre-season."