Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has declared he will return to action on January 15.

There have been concerns Ferdinand would struggle to play again this season due to a back injury.

But England coach Fabio Capello, speaking with ESPN, revealed: "Yes, I spoke to Rio last night.

"He is good, he is confident. He says he will be back for January 15. He was really happy and said he had no pain. This is good news. Now he has to train and come back and play."