England’s loss is our gain! Giggs heaps praise on Man Utd’s Ferdinand

Ryan Giggs believes that Manchester United are benefiting from Rio Ferdinand’s England exile as the veteran defender continues to impress for the Premier League leaders.

The 34-year-old has not featured for the national side under current Three Lions manager Roy Hodgson, with his last England appearance coming back in June 2011.

Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic have put their respective injury problems behind them and rekindled their impressive centre-half partnership in recent weeks.

And the former West Ham defender was particularly impressive as the Red Devils secured a 1-1 draw at Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie – and Giggs is not surprised by Ferdinand’s form.

“He’s been playing like that all season,” Giggs told the Daily Mirror.

“His experience, leadership skills and organisation were needed with two young players around him, in Jonny Evans and Rafael.

“Rio’s just a top player. He has proved that again and again, and he’s proved that again on Wednesday.”

The former Wales international also feels that Ferdinand is not too concerned about being overlooked by Hodgson and is happy to concentrate on United, pointing to his commanding performances at club level.

“No, I don’t think so,” Giggs added.

“We’re just happy that he’s playing so well for United. The rest of the stuff we’re not too bothered about, as long as he keeps putting in performances like that.”

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