Rio Ferdinand says there's no chance of England persuading Manchester United teammate Paul Scholes of ending his international exile.

Ferdinand revealed: "Scholesy has made his decision and no one can persuade him to change his mind.

"Who wouldn't want him playing for England again? He has been the best passer in the country for the last 10 years and probably still is. I can't speak highly enough of him as an all-round player and as a person.

"He has the best football brain in the business and any opponent in Europe would put Scholesy in their top three favourite Manchester United players. Whether you are playing in a five-a-side or a full-scale practice match, he is your first pick.

"But Scholesy does it his way and not playing for England has paid off from United's point of view because he is still producing some great football."