United have been boosted by the news that Rio Ferdinand could be fit to face Roma in Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final second leg at Old Trafford.

Ferdinand limped out of Sunday's 2-2 draw at Middlesbrough, but a scan on Monday confirmed he had not suffered a broken foot. Rio missed training on Tuesday morning to have treatment on the injury, prompting suggestions that he would not be fit to face the Italians.

However, Sir Alex Ferguson says the influential centre-back is still in contention as United look to capitalise on a 2-0 first-leg win and book a place in the semi finals.

“We hope he is going to play,” said the Reds boss. “His scan was clear, which is good news. We hope that we can get him fit for the game."

Ferdinand will undergo a fitness test on Wednesday morning, when the decision will be taken whether to play the 29-year-old. Sir Alex added: “The players report to us at 11 o’clock on Wednesday morning, so he will have to do something then.”

There was further good news as the United manager revealed that Gary Neville and Mikael Silvestre will both be involved in the squad, with one perhaps making the starting line-up.