Ferdinand has been a big hit at Leeds

"Rio is without doubt a top class player who can only improve, and the price tag, which brought him and us some stick, is already beginning to look very reasonable.

"I thought he did very well towards the end of the season, and grew into the role of captain and I think he will prove to be a fantastic skipper for many years to come.

"It's no reflection on Lucas Radebe who has done a brilliant job.

"He is a great man to have around the place, but I just felt Rio's game improved when he did the job with Lucas out injured."

Even before his injury, the South African FA had agreed with Leeds that they would minimise the number of national team games they would call Radebe for.