RONALDO TO KEEP HIS DATE WITH BORAT

Last updated : 14 November 2006 By Editor

From the Guardian:

Cristiano Ronaldo is facing a showdown with Sir Alex Ferguson after insisting he is fit for international duty.

The Manchester United manager had claimed that the winger's ankle injury picked up during the weekend win at Blackburn should rule him out of Portugal's Euro 2008 qualifier against Kazakhstan tomorrow.

Ferguson had urged the Portugal coach, Luiz Felipe Scolari, to rest the 21-year-old for the fixture against the weakest nation in Group A in order to ensure he is fit for Saturday's Premiership visit to Sheffield United.

But Ronaldo has reported for duty for the game in Coimbra and he has told Scolari that he is fit and ready to play.

“I am well. It was only a knock and I think that one day or two will be enough to be back to 100%. The only thing I can say is that, on Wednesday, I will be fine for playing.”