SOCCER SHORTS:ALEX Ferguson believes Rio Ferdinand, the man identified by Fabio Capello as England's new captain, may have to re-evaluate his international career and limit his appearances amid growing concerns about the recurring back problems that have ruled him out of next week's friendly against Egypt and raised questions over his fitness for the rigours of this summer's World Cup, reports Daniel Taylor.

The Manchester United defender has played back-to-back games on only two occasions this season, making 11 appearances in total, the longest run being three successive matches in October.

Ferguson has ruled him out for a "couple of games", namely the Carling Cup final against Aston Villa on Sunday and what should have been his first game as John Terry's successor when Egypt visit Wembley on Wednesday.

But United's medical staff cannot even be certain that is an accurate diagnosis, and there are concerns it may be a longer lay-off.

Ferdinand has featured in only 26 of the last 73 games for his club and national team and Ferguson believes the player may have to prioritise matches in the future, even if that means making himself unavailable for international friendlies after the World Cup.

Often playing through pain, Ferdinand has played in only four internationals in the last 16 months, and the latest setback will be of considerable alarm not just for Ferguson but also Capello.

Guardian Service

Portsmouth targeting a quick sale

PORTSMOUTH are hoping for a quick sale if, as expected, the club enters administration tomorrow, with the prospective administrator, Andrew Andronikou, yesterday spending his first day at the club preparing for the move.

It is expected Andronikou will first “thin” the business by drastically reducing staff numbers and other costs to maximise the club’s attraction to any potential buyer. When contacted last night Andronikou was reluctant to discuss precise details, saying he was unable to comment until administration had officially begun.

He said: “Its difficult to say [anything]; I can’t talk to you. If and when I’m appointed, then I’ll be happy to talk.”

Andronikou has previously overseen the process when Swindon Town entered it in 2002. Portsmouth are at least €68m in debt and narrowly avoiding a winding-up petition that was due to be heard at the high court on Monday.

Van Persie due back in April

ROBIN van Persie could be back for Arsenal by early April, according to the Holland coach, Bert van Marwijk. However, his club believe the 26-year-old will return from an ankle injury at the end of April rather than the start, and even that will only happen if his rehabilitation goes to exactly to plan.

Either outcome would please Arsène Wenger, as the Arsenal manager feared Van Persie would be out for the season after his injury in November.

Pato helps Milan close gap on Inter

ALEXANDRE Pato fired home in injury time to give AC Milan a lucky 2-1 win at Fiorentina yesterday to send the Rossoneri up to second in Serie A.

Milan have cut the gap on leaders Inter Milan to four points having played the same number of games. AS Roma, in third, are five points off the pace.

Brazilian striker Pato struck when he was left alone in the area following a cross from the again-impressive Ronaldinho.

Former Milan striker Alberto Gilardino poked the ball home for mid-table Fiorentina on 14 minutes after Stevan Jovetic’s scuffed shot and Milan had to wait until nine minutes from time for substitute Klaas Jan Huntelaar to equalise.

The Dutchman netted after a one-two with Ronaldinho. Fiorentina were unfortunate, having largely dominated chances and possession.

Elsewhere, Cagliari wasted the opportunity to climb into fourth spot by losing 2-1 to goals from Alex Sanchez and Serie A top scorer Antonio Di Natale at Udinese.

Salesian College claim Senior Cup

Salesian College 2 St Kieran’s College 0

KILDARE side Salesian College are Leinster Senior Cup champions for the second time in three years after goals in either half saw off St. Kieran’s in the Leinster final in Leah Victoria Park, Tullamore yesterday.

Salesian broke the deadlock inside just six minutes following a fortuitous deflection off the back of goalkeeper Craig Cummins who had denied both Kevin Molloy and Colm Smyth with fine saves. After 62 minutes Salesian struck again through Michael Brown’s fine finish.

SALESIAN COLLEGE: S McNamara; G Kane, C Philips, P Markey, T Boyle, M O'Grady, C Smyth, M Brown, F Conway, B Bonyo, K Molloy. Subs: M Ilunga for Philips (inj, 31); O O Foghtu for Conway (85).

ST KIERAN'S COLLEGE: C Cummins; S Chappell, R Hayes, S Johnson, A Cantwell, L Hickey, C Snipe, M Drennan, D Walsh, E Delahunty, C Gorey. Subs: J Quan for Cantwell (inj, 28); J Power for Snype (64).

Referee: D Carey.