Simpson ready for United bow

DANNY SIMPSON is hoping a few training ground tussles with Cristiano Ronaldo will help him cope with Coventry in the Carling Cup tonight.

Although it is only four weeks since he underwent the same double hernia operation Michael Owen fears he will require, Simpson feels he will have made enough progress to be considered by Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson for the visit of Iain Dowie’s men.

Simpson does have plenty of experience to call upon, having spent an impressive spell on loan with Sunderland in the second half of last season.