Chris Smalling is determined to live up to the faith shown in him by Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
Ferguson landed Smalling in a shock £12million deal from Fulham in January but he joined up at United only this month after being loaned back to Craven Cottage.
Despite his meteoric rise, Smalling refuses to be daunted by the task ahead.
He insisted to The Sun: "The manager has said that I'm not just a youngster coming from another club but part of the first team and I have to be ready when I'm called upon. And I have confidence in terms of my game to do it."
The new United star is excited by the prospect of playing alongside Ferdinand.
He said: "I've watched Rio over the years, how he's progressed into one of the finest. Hopefully, I can learn from him." Smalling is also looking forward to facing Wayne Rooney.
He said: "In terms of the stature of the man, it's going to be a great challenge."
