Ferdinand points way for Smalling

The 20-year-old netted his first goal for Stuart Pearce's side as they secured a hard-earned 2-1 lead over Romania on Friday to take into tomorrow's play-off second leg in Botosani.

Smalling has certainly come a long way in a short time, having been scouted from non-league Maidstone by Fulham just two years ago before then landing a 10m move to Old Trafford.

He moved north during the summer and played in the Community Shield at Wembley as well as the Champions League match against Rangers.

The 20-year-old feels in England star Ferdinand, he has the perfect role model – for both club and country.

"The stature of the guy is something to look up to and he has been a real joy to be alongside," Smalling said. "He is so friendly in terms of the training ground every day. I have been lucky to play both my games (starting for United] alongside him.

"He has eased me in really well and hopefully I will have many more games with him."

Smalling continued: "Rio has built up that presence over the years, he is just very commanding. On the ball, he just gives you that composure. Whether he puts on that captain's armband or it is just in training, he is leading the team."

Senior coach Fabio Capello will certainly recall Ferdinand tomorrow against Montenegro following Phil Jagielka's enforced exit from the squad with a hamstring injury and Terry's with a back problem.

But he must decide whether to reinstate him as captain. Ferdinand came home from the World Cup finals after sustaining a training ground injury and Stephen Gerrard took the armband.