Football Corner

Portugal have confirmed that Man United trickster Cristiano Ronaldo will still play in their World Cup qualifier against Russia despite the sad death of his father. Ronaldo may miss the Manchester derby on Saturday but is to take his place in the Portugal side for Wednesday's fixture. The FPF, Portugal's footballing federation, issued a statement confirming that the decision to play had been taken after talks with coach Luiz Felipe Scolari.

Ronaldo's father Dinis Aveiro died in London on Tuesday after being hospitalised with liver and kidney problems and United have already stressed their thoughts are with the ex-Sporting wide man at this difficult time. Ronaldo had informed O Jogo that he was looking forward to tackling Russia in a key game for his country.

"I am 200 percent ready!" he claimed. "I am well enough and ready to help the team. "It's a decisive game and difficult for us and for the Russians."We are used to hostile environments."We have an excellent team, we have excellent players and what we all want is to win."

I find it hard to believe that Ronaldo is taken part in Portugal's match tonight and that he may miss the Manchester derby on Saturday. He is a quality player and maybe he thought that his father would of wanted him to play tonight. My best wishes are to the Ronaldo family right now.