Rio Ferdinand has been tipped as a future boss.

But his QPR mentor reckons the former England international should go into punditry instead because as Harry Redknapp put it, ‘there’s less aggro.'

The ex-Manchester United defender is scheduled for a return against Leicester City today after a three-match ban, a spot of injury, and a series of less than sparkling performances following his summer switch from Old Trafford.

However, Harry still claims massive faith in the player he first noticed as a gangling but talented 15-year-old, and insists he will come good at Rangers – eventually.

“I don’t think Rio has to prove anything to anybody really,” Redknapp said. “His career has been so good he will just get on with it.

“He’s always confident in his own ability, so I’m sure he will be okay.

Early promise: Rio and Redknapp at West Ham

“He’s a good person to have around the place because he’s a good pro and a good trainer, and sets a good example to everybody on the training pitch.

“I think he’s management material, one day.

“He talks to the younger players. The kids look up to him and know what he’s done. They see what good shape he keeps himself in – he’s not fat and overweight or lazy.

Maybe, Ferdinand’s current boss sees something of a chip off the old block?

“No, not really,” said the 67-year-old veteran of six clubs including West Ham, Portsmouth, Tottenham and Rs.

“Rio’s very laid back and doesn’t get upset very easy. He’s just himself and is a very confident boy and was like that when I first signed him. I knew what he was going to become. I had no doubts about that.

“He could go into TV – it’s probably easier and sounds a better bet! No aggro.”

Keep in touch with all the build-up and post-match reaction to QPR v Leicester City right here on GetWestLondon.