Rio on course for Rome

Sir Alex Ferguson is confident Rio Ferdinand will be fit to start Wednesday's Champions League final in Rome.

The defender has been troubled by a calf injury for the last two-and-a-half weeks, but it was hoped he would play some part in the Reds' final league game of the season at Hull.

His absence raised fears that he was still struggling for Wednesday, but Sir Alex remains hopeful Ferdinand will be ready to face Barcelona.

"Rio is coming along fine," he told MUTV. "He trained on Saturday and today with the other players who were also training. I think he's on course to play on Wednesday."

The only other question marks surround the fitness of Rafael and Wes Brown who both picked up minor knocks in the 1-0 win at the KC Stadium.

"I took Rafael off [as a precaution] and we'll get him checked on Monday, but hopefully he'll be okay," revealed Sir Alex.

"Wes got a little knock, but given that it was his first game back after so long out we're thankful he's come through well overall."