RIO ON SHOLES AND LEEDS

Rio has tried to explain the Scholes situation insisting no player would "cheat"
themselves by pulling out of an England International.

Scholesy withdrew from the squad on Saturday but still turned out for the
Reds on Tuesday upsetting a lot of journos and England fans. But Ferdinand
said

"He (Scholes) felt not too bad before the Middlesbrough game. I think his
ankle was hurting but he thought he could get himself through the game.
From my own point of view I want to be here every time a squad is announced
- if you're not here you're giving someone else the chance.

"I'm sure 100% of the players would not cheat themselves and cheat their
country by saying they are injured when they are not. He knows if he is fit or
not.

"It's going to be between the managers and the staff at England to sort out.
Clubs have got to protect their own interests and look after themselves first
but you can understand the gaffer here (Eriksson) wanting players to be
involved."

He also admitted that he is looking forward to going back to Elland Road:

"I'm not nervous about going back to Elland Road at all. In fact, I'm looking
forward to going back there. I'm looking forward to playing every game at the
moment."

"I know it's a big game in terms of where I've just left and where I've gone to.
I'm not sure what sort of reaction I'll get. Maybe it'll be good, maybe it'll be
bad.

"But I enjoyed myself when I was at Leeds and always gave 100 per cent
when I was there, so in an ideal world it would be nice to get a good
reception."