Ferguson highlights importance of Rio

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is happy not to see defender Rio Ferdinand back in the England squad.

England boss Roy Hodgson has overlooked the United veteran for a recall despite needing to find a replacement in his latest squad for the now retired John Terry.

Ferguson was unwilling to discuss the manner in which this was communicated by Hodgson - who told punters on a London Underground train before the official announcement - as he met media to preview United's game at Newcastle this weekend. But the Scot made clear he personally was pleased the 33-year-old was not being subjected to the extra international workload.

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