McClaren hopeful about Ferdinand

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SKOPJE, Macedonia -- England coach Steve McClaren is optimistic that center-back Rio Ferdinand will return to the side when they face Macedonia in a tough Euro 2008 qualifier on Wednesday.

Ferdinand, who missed Saturday's opening 5-0 win over Andorra at Old Trafford, was expected to play if he came through a training session later on Tuesday, McClaren told a news conference before their Group E match.

"He came through training yesterday and will train again this afternoon,"said McClaren.

"Provided he comes through without reaction then I will decide on my team," added McClaren.

He said that defender Luke Young and goalkeeper Chris Kirkland would not be with the squad after picking up ankle and back injuries respectively.

McClaren also said he was under no illusion about how tough the match was going to be.

Exactly three years ago to the day England beat Macedonia 2-1 in a Euro 2004 qualifier in Skopje when Macedonian fans burnt English flags in a match overshadowed by racist abuse from the home supporters.

UEFA have warned that if there is a repeat of that behavior the match could be awarded to England under tough new statutes aimed at dealing with violence or racism at matches.

"The difference with three years ago is that sanctions are much tougher now. Macedonia risk forfeiting the game 3-0 if their supporters misbehave," UEFA spokesman William Gaillard told Sky Sports News.

McClaren echoed UEFA's view saying the English FA, the Macedonian FA and UEFA are all committed to ridding the game of racism.

"There is a big campaign to kick racism out of society and football and rightly so. But these are the uncontrollables.

"It is up to the referee and UEFA to deal with it. We just have to get on with playing the football match."

McClaren also said he was treating Macedonia with the utmost respect, but still expected England to win.

"Its about us, our performance, and if we perform like we have done, to our full potential, we expect to win this game.

"They are all tough, I've been in Europe and club football too long to say you get an easy game in Europe. You don't. There are too many factors to control."

Good start

McClaren has got off to a good start as England coach with a 4-0 friendly win over European champions Greece followed by Saturday's stroll against Andorra, but Wednesday's match will provide a much sterner test.

"We have had a good start, many people are saying this Macedonia game is an easy game, but the message we are getting across is 'don't underestimate Macedonia'," he said.

"They have had a good record since (Srecko) Katanec took over, they have won their last three away games at Ecuador, Turkey and Estonia, they drew with Holland twice in the World Cup campaign and they are no mugs.

"Their pedigree is there for everyone to see, they have an experienced manager, they are at home and have had 10 days to prepare.

"These are all the ingredients which we have to come up against. We have to make sure our mindset is right.

"We cannot underestimate them and must play to our full potential. If we do that, we have a good chance of winning this game.

"Away games are all tough and it is the mental toughness of the team which gets you through."

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