West Ham United FC

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Fitness first for Ferdinand

23 Aug 2008 - 10:53:06

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West Ham United manager Alan Curbishley has played down continuing speculation linking central defender Anton Ferdinand with a move away from Upton Park.

The 23-year-old, who is currently sidelined by a hamstring injury, has been linked with Sunderland in recent days, but Curbishley insists that his player's focus is totally on regaining full fitness.

Curbishley commented: "There is lots of speculation, but Anton is part of my plans and he is in here trying to get fit.

"Matthew Upson and Calum Davenport are playing at the moment. James Tomkins and James Collins are still out and Daniel Gabbidon has been since November.

"The nearest one to go back in is Anton and that is where we are at at the moment.

"I spoke to him in the summer and we will see how it develops, but as far as I am concerned, he is in here every day trying to get fit.

"My players are being linked with other clubs and it shows we have got some decent players. All I want to do is to get some of the others available so we can pick from a squad."