Woodgate can lead us to glory - Matteo

New skipper Dominic Matteo claims it is time for Leeds to forget about Rio Ferdinand and concentrate on the players who can win them trophies - like centre-half Jonathan Woodgate.

Ferdinand quit Elland Road for Manchester United in a £30m deal last week and left a massive gap at the heart of Leeds’ defence.

But Matteo, appointed as captain in Ferdinand’s place by new boss Terry Venables, reckons the Yorkshire club have a ready-made replacement in central defender Jonathan Woodgate.

‘‘Of course it is disappointing to lose a player like Rio,’’ said versatile Scotland defender Matteo, who joined Leeds from Liverpool two years ago.

‘‘I had a a decent relationship on and off the pitch with him - we were good friends as well as playing together.

‘‘But we have to forget about that now. We have some great players at the club who can do equally as well.

‘‘It is hard to compare two players of that quality. Rio has just moved to United for £30million, which speaks for itself about his quality.

‘‘Woody is a year younger, but there isn’t a lot of difference between the two already. Rio would probably say that. He has played with Jonathan and knows how good he is.

‘‘They are both very quick, read the game well and can both play. They are also very fit and that counts for a lot as well.’’

Leeds are currently on a tour of Australia and the Far East as part of their build up to the new Premiership season, which they kick-off against Manchester City on August 17.

And Matteo believes Woodgate, 22, is showing the sort of form which earned him an England cap three years ago before his well-publicised off-the-field problems and injuries held up his progress.

‘‘Woody has had a good pre-season under his belt and is just looking forward to the proper games now,’’ added the Scottish international.

‘‘It is a big year for Jonathan. It is just a matter of time before he plays again for England.’’

Matteo also revealed Ferdinand’s decision to head for Old Trafford in search of silverware has given the Leeds’ squad added incentive for the new season.

He said: ‘‘Given that Rio said he went to Manchester United to win a few more medals, it is of course a good incentive to us at Leeds.

‘‘It is about time we started putting trophies in the cabinet.’’