Rio eager to smell the grass again

(14-09-2010) Rio Ferdinand is thrilled to be back in big-time football. The Manchester United defender has been out with a knee injury since late May but is expected to make a comeback for the Red Devils in their Champions League clash with Rangers on Tuesday. "I’ve been training full pelt with the team the last two weeks and played a reserve game the other day and feel good,” said the 31-year-old on Monday. "I just enjoyed being out there, putting the shirt on and smelling the cut grass again." He also said the time off meant he rested his troublesome back. "My back is fine now. There are things I have to do to make sure the problem doesn't reoccur but that is all part of getting older." Ferdinand started only 20 of United's games in all competitions last season as his troublesome back lead to a series of injuries.