Manchester United captain Gary Neville admits he's upset for teammate Rio Ferdinand after his World Cup-ending injury.

In his column for the Sunday Times of Malta, Neville wrote: "My initial thoughts were that I was gutted for Rio. I've been there myself and know how it feels to miss a World Cup through injury. But you have to accept it as a professional; it's disappointing but you have to get over it.

"Rio has had a long career, so he knows all about the ups and downs. Sometimes you get the low blows that set you back, but he will recover from it. He's a strong character and a fit, determined lad who will want to make up for missing the tournament.

"He will have to use this time off to recover, because he got a few injuries last season and his body is probably telling him to rest. I'm sure he will come back a stronger and more determined player next season because that's the type of character he is."