Ferdinand tips Gary Neville for 100 caps

MANCHESTER, England, Oct 5 (Reuters) Rio Ferdinand has tipped his fellow Manchester United defender Gary Neville to become only the fifth England player to win 100 caps.

Neville, who should earn his 83rd cap in Saturday's Euro 2008 qualifier against Macedonia, could follow Peter Shilton (125), Bobby Moore (108), Bobby Charlton (106) and Billy Wright (105) in reaching the milestone in about two years' time.

''He has to be special to play in as many games as he has at the level he has,'' Ferdinand told reporters.

''There is no-one better in that position at the moment. I believe he can get 100 caps.'' Neville, who missed England's last two qualifiers in Group E because of injury, is the elder statesman of the England squad at 31, having played in three European championships and two World Cups.

''He's always got something to say and if he's got a problem with something he will always speak up,'' Ferdinand said.

''That's vital for a squad. You can always count on him. He's a fantastic footballer.'' On Saturday, Ferdinand is looking forward to seeing another United team mate, Wayne Rooney, and Peter Crouch start their first match together as England strike partners.

''On paper that could be fantastic,'' he said. ''Wayne could come off him and drop in. Crouchy could stay up there at the top of the pitch.

''If we get the ball in the box there's not many better finishers around at the moment than Crouchy -- especially in an England shirt.'' Rooney, who is battling a loss of form after club and country suspensions, has been less fortunate this season.

ROONEY'S SEASON ''He's had an interrupted season but people make more of a meal of it because it's Wayne Rooney,'' Ferdinand said. ''He brings a lot more to the team than just goals.

''He can set up scoring opportunities and his workrate is up there with the best of them. If he's not scoring goals there are still not many defenders who like playing against him.'' Paul Robinson clearly believes he has something to prove with England in the years ahead as a goalkeeper.

''I don't think I am one of the world's best, but I certainly aim to become one of the game's best. That will come in time with more games and experience,'' Robinson told reporters.

Looking back to this year's games, including their penalty shootout defeat by Portugal at the World Cup, he said: ''My recent record is very good for England.

''It's five clean sheets in a row and, if you take out the penalties against Portugal, I have conceded one goal in nine games... I have made good progress.

''Having the World Cup is an experience and you get stronger and better from those experiences.'' Reuters AB GC2021