Rio Ferndinand targets early return

Rio Ferdinand says his recovery from injury is ahead of schedule and he hopes to return against Tottenham on 12th September.

The Manchester United defender suffered a slight tear in his thigh during training ahead of the champions' Premier League clash against Birmingham.

While he will miss England's World Cup qualifier against Croatia on 9th September, he hopes to play against Spurs in the Premier League three days later.

Ferdinand Said: "I'm improving - I'm a bit ahead of schedule.

"I've been training really hard the last few days.

"I'm not where I want to be obviously on the pitch, but in a couple of weeks I'll be back on the pitch playing again."