Rio backing United duo

LEEDS skipper Rio Ferdinand is backing Jonathan Woodgate and Robbie Fowler to help United achieve their Premiership title dream.

The return of Woodgate at Bolton on Boxing Day, where Fowler bagged a hat-trick in the 3-0 victory, was a major boost for a Leeds squad now hit by serious injury problems again.

With Dominic Matteo out with hamstring injury the return of Woodgate couldn't be more timely and Ferdinand like manager David O'Leary believes the England international can return to the form that won him his solitary full cap two years ago.

 "Obviously all the pressures are going around but this was a good release for him to play games," said Ferdinand.

"The more games he plays the better he will be, and he's already showed everyone how much potential he has and hopefully he will get a chance now to push on."
   
Robbie Fowler's arrival and return to form is also given a major lift to the squad, as Ferdinand agreed.
  
"Robbie's had that barren spell, it does seem now that he's in the right place where he can start banging them in again," he said.

"He's got an opportunity here. He's playing every game, so he's got the opportunity to prove himself, it's widely recognised that's he one of the best finishers in the league so he's just got to keep scoring and hopefully, live up to the expectations.

"He's been great but it's no surprise to us because he is a quality player, it's to be expected that he's going to score goals, and he hasn't disappointed.

"He's quality, you wouldn't say he's as quick as Michael Owen but his thinking and his movement is frightening."

Meanwhile, United Chairman Peter Ridsdale, after confirming on Friday that Michael Duberry had agreed a new five year contract with Leeds, has revealed that negotiations over new long term contracts with Jonathan Woodgate and Lee Bowyer will not be taken a stage further until the New Year.

since 17/6/2001

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