Ferdinand is back in the international fold after returning from suspension and it hasn't taken him long to settle in.

Nobody had a bigger smile on his face than Rio as the Three Lions trained again, and there is every prospect the Manchester United star could play in this weekend's crucial World Cup qualifier.

After eight months out that is a major boost for Ferdinand, who insists he can't wait to resume his international career.

"I have always wanted to play for England and always appreciated it," he said. "It's my dream and I'm living out thousands of kids' dreams just being here. To be able to walk out and play for your country is a great achievement in itself.

"It's good that my first match back is at Old Trafford but to be honest when you're playing for England it really doesn't matter where it is. It could be down at Hackney Marshes - but if you have the Three Lions on your shirt it still means so much!

"If I am selected it will be a massive day for me. Wales is a huge match to be back, just like Liverpool was in the league. But I enjoy playing in big games and you might as well go straight back into the deep end.

"All I can say is that It's good to be playing for England again and I'm definitely, definitely up for it. The atmosphere in the squad is brilliant, it's a close-knit environment and I love it here."

Ferdinand is confident, too, that if he is selected he won't let anyone down. And after several Premiership games and a Champions League match for Manchester United he doesn't expect any worries over his match fitness.

"I didn't know what to expect when I first came back for United, you never know how you'll perform after that long out," he said. "But to come back and be comfortable is very encouraging. And to be back amongst the banter with England is even better. You can tell how much I'm enjoying it, the vibe at the training ground is great and we're a very close bunch. I can't wait to get out there."

Ferdinand was rated one of the best central defenders in the world before his suspension, and was inspirational alongside Sol Campbell for England in the World Cup finals of 2002.

But he believes he has learned a lot over the last eight months and could even improve as a player as the season moves on.

He said: "I have had eight months to look at my game and to go through my game with a fine tooth-comb. In terms of preparation for games, adding stuff to my game. I have been working on my game. When you are in the stands, you can see things and I hope it will make me a better player.

"But I'm not taking anything for granted with England. John Terry and Ledley King have done a great job out there while I've been away, first class. The manager couldn't be more blessed in defence, could he? It's a difficult decision for the manager to make as to who plays on Saturday."