Ferdinand set to return as England face tough qualifier

SKOPJE, Sep 5 (Reuters) England coach Steve McClaren is optimistic that centre-back Rio Ferdinand will return to the side when they face Macedonia in a tough Euro 2008 qualifier tomorrow.

Ferdinand, who missed Saturday's opening 5-0 win over Andorra at Old Trafford, is expected to play if he comes through a training session later today without incident, McClaren told a news conference before their Group E match.

''He came through training yesterday and will train again this afternoon and 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 behaviour 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.

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