Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson plans to play Chris Smalling against Champions League opponents Braga.

Ferguson was asked for an update on Smalling and fellow defender Phil Jones, who is also yet to play this campaign due to back and knee problems.

He said: "Phil Jones will start training with us next Monday which is good news - he is making really good progress now.

"Chris Smalling is with the party and will be involved tomorrow.

"That is really good news because as we know, since the start of the season, we've been operating on the borderline in terms of certain defenders having to play all the time, and also having to play (midfielder) Michael Carrick as a centre-back.

"They can only help us with that - those two are outstanding young defenders and it will give us a fantastic squad to take on all our challenges."