SPORTSPORT 24 METROSPORT Tuesday, November 3, 2009 D Certified Distribution August 31 to October 4, 2009: 60,395 Published by Fortunegreen Ltd, Embassy House, Herbert Park Lane, Dublin 4 Printed by The Irish Times at Citywest in Dublin Editorial: (01) 637 5900 Advertising: (01) 637 5989 Classified: (01) 637 5979 Distribution: (01) 637 5901 Talk of rift in Munster camp is dismissed by legend Galwey Page 21 SIr ALEx Ferguson has dismissed criticism of rio Ferdinand, claiming the Manchester United defender is just suffering a little blip. Former England manager Graham Taylor suggested at the weekend Ferdinands legs have gone, based on recent poor performances for club and country. Taylor believes the 30-year-olds best years are behind him and that he will struggle to maintain the high standards he has set himself. Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic have formed an impressive partnership at Old Trafford but both are set to miss tonights Champions League clash with CSKA Moscow, and Sundays trip to Chelsea, through injury. The former Leeds player has been criticised for some high-profile mis- takes, notably for England, both in Ukraine last month and against Hol- land in August. But United boss Ferguson insisted: In my time here we have always had one of our star players finding he gets criticised when he has a little blip. It seems to be part and parcel of be- ing a United player. No player likes to be criticised. But he will come out of it there is no question about that. There is no discernible depreciation in his quali- ties none at all. Wayne rooney is also set to miss tonights tie after the birth of his first child, Kai, handing Michael Owen a likely starting place. CAPTAIN Steven Gerrard is out of Liverpools Champions League clash at Lyon on Wednesday but striker Fernando Torres has travelled with Rafael Benitezs injury-hit squad. The Spaniard was hoping Gerrard would be available for the crunch clash against the group leaders but he has failed to recover from a groin problem. However Benitez will be able to call upon top scorer Torres, who has also been battling a groin strain. Glen Johnson, Fabio Aurelio [calf], Daniel Agger [back], Martin Kelly [ankle], Albert Riera [hamstring] and Andrea Dossena [groin] are all struggling though while Alberto Aquilani, Martin Skrtel and David Ngog are doubts because of a virus. Benitez said: Aquilani trained today but was a little bit weak. Hopefully in two days time he will be better. Gerrard wont travel to Lyon. He has no chance. He is improving but we have to wait. He has had an injection but we have to wait two or three days and see how he reacts. [Fernando] is not 100 per cent fit, but we have to take Fernando to Lyon because we dont have too many options. Gerrard out for crunch trip to Lyon Rios critics have got it wrong, says FergieBy kevin Aitken Owen focused on United: P23 Watching brief: Ferguson, right, keeps an eye on his United players ahead of tonights clash with CSkA Picture:Reuters Backing for Benitez: Page 22 ANDY rEID says he is refusing to allow his ongoing omission from the republic of Ireland squad to affect his Sunderland renaissance, writes Gareth Makim. Midfielder reid has forced his way into Steve Bruces side this season and delivered a series of starring performances, helping the Black Cats earn a point against West Ham on Saturday by scoring from a free-kick. However, he remains on the outside looking in at international level as Giovanni Trapattoni prepares his Ireland side for a two- legged World Cup play-off against France. It would be pointless letting the Ireland thing affect me and my performances, the 27-year- old Dubliner told the Sunderland Echo. It wouldnt do me any favours in the long run. I dont pick the squad; I go out on the pitch and perform at the level I am. I cant do any more than I am. I just have to prove to my manager here that I deserve to be in the Sunderland team. As long as I am in the team and do my job then Im happy with that. I cant control anything else outside of that. I can only do the best that I can and give everything I have in every game. I cant do anything different and Im not going to do anything different. remarkably, reid, who has not been in an Ireland squad since Irelands opening World Cup qualifier against Georgia more than a year ago, remains desperate to regain a place in Trapattonis plans. He said: Im feeling good, Im feeling confident and I feel fit. Im playing some of the best football of my career. Im going to continue what Im doing and if I get the call to play for Ireland again, then brilliant. Ive said all along that I would love to play for Ireland again. Reid determined to stay upbeat as he waits for Ireland chance Still trying to impress: Andy Reid index.html2.html3.html4.html5.html6.html7.html8.html9.html10.html11.html12.html13.html14.html15.html16.html17.html18.html19.html20.html21.html22.html23.html24.html25.html26.html27.html