Ferdinand has returned to the squad for the first time since he was controversially stripped of the captaincy by Capello, who handed the job back to John Terry.
Quite why Rio lost the captain’s armband was a mystery as Capello never told anyone, let alone Rio, he even declined a chance to speak things over with the United star at Old Trafford in the directors’ box.
But since then, the pair have spoken.
"There is no argument at all about the fact Rio deserves his place in the team," Keown said.
"He has had his injury problems. But he is very polished and is probably the most accomplished central defender we have at the moment."