Manchester United Football Club

• Nickname:Red Devils
• Founded:1878
• Manager:David Moyes

• Ground:Old Trafford
• Capacity:68174

Fergie confident over Pique

08 Apr 2008 - 08:34:11

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Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is confident Gerard Pique can fill Rio Ferdinand's boots after his injury blow against Middlesbrough on Sunday.

The stand-in skipper limped out of the 2-2 draw at the Riverside Stadium with initial reports claiming he could miss the rest of the season with a metatarsal injury.

Scans on Monday confirmed the defender should be back in action in the near future after not suffering a bone break, but Ferdinand is likely to miss Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final second leg clash with AS Roma.

Regular central defensive partner Nemanja Vidic will also miss out with a knee problem picked up in the first leg, but Ferguson has no fears over putting Pique into the firing line against the Italian side.

The 21-year-old Spaniard has been used sparingly this season, but replaced Ferdinand against Middlesbrough on Sunday.

"Pique came on and did brilliantly. He was marvellous," said Ferguson.

"The lad's a terrific player and I think that actually helped us.

"We've got great confidence in the lad and he's come through very well."