December
Newsfile

Newsfile Archive

Leeds defender and England international Rio Ferdinand is staying level headed ahead of his teams FA Cup 3rd tie at Ninian Park.

The £18m defender (that's right £18m) told the official Leeds website

"form and league position counts for nothing"

Rio was bought by Leeds from West Ham and the fee smashed the British transfer record and the World record for a defender.

Rio is going to be on the hallowed turf of Ninian Park tomorrow and is under no illusion that this is a cake walk for Leeds

"It's going to be a tough test. Cardiff are a big club and a decent side and they will be looking to make it hard for us. This game will be a big examination for us and we must be fully focused to do well against a team that people are expecting to cause a bit of an upset. We are there to be shot at - that's the buzz of the FA Cup. There will be a great atmosphere down there and we must make sure we give a solid account of ourselves and make sure we come out winners."

Rio is aware that Cardiff are up for a shock and he is happy with his partnership with Jonathon Woodgate

"Recent results counts for nothing in the FA Cup. Form goes out of the window and you must make sure your perform on the day and don't allow any slip ups. I've enjoyed playing alongside Woody. I've always said that I appreciate playing with good players and Woody certainly fits that bill. If we can continue to keep clean sheets then the more chance we have of winning things."

One thing for sure Rio the atmosphere will be fairly hostile towards your centre back partner Woodgate and also Lee Bowyer who many feel got off lightly in his court case.