Rio Ferdinand revealed that he had been inspired by the example of Eric Cantona in coping with his own eight-month suspension as he prepared to make his long-awaited return for England.

Ferdinand missed 13 England games during his ban for missing a drugs test.

He returns for tomorrow's World Cup qualifier against Wales as not only a stronger person, but also - he hopes - a better player, having spent his time out analysing his game.

Ferdinand was not the first Manchester United player to have been suspended for such a long period, with Cantona having been banned following his infamous kung-fu kick.

"United's experience with Cantona definitely helped. I spoke to Roy Keane, the Nevilles and Ryan Giggs about the things Eric used to do and the atmosphere in training, although I didn't speak to Eric himself," he revealed.

Ferdinand took those lessons on board and, above all, has been determined not to feel sorry for himself, being boosted by thousands of letters of support.

He may have felt that an eight-month ban was an over-reaction by the Football Association, although others said it was too lenient, but he admits that he was at fault in failing to remember the test.

"I have never said it was anybody else's fault except my own. I didn't blame the club or the testers," he stressed.

"I was there to be criticised - that was always going to happen - but it would have been nice if people had criticised me when they knew the whole story.

"Obviously the way it was dealt with was arguable, whether right or wrong, but that's history.

"When I start talking about it, and hear some of the things that get said, I do get the needle, but when I'm by myself or with family and friends, I don't think about it."

Ferdinand was determined not to embark on a long holiday, instead choosing to pour himself into training, community work and self-analysis.

"I've had eight months to look at the way the team play and go through my game with a fine tooth-comb in terms of preparation for matches and adding stuff to my game," he revealed.

"I've been working on my game. When you are in the stands, you can see things. I hope it will make me a better player.

"As a person, you also get more responsible. It's made me sharper around certain issues."

Gary Neville had observed that Ferdinand had to put up with a "dog's life" in training all week and then not taking part in matches each weekend.

"I can't put it into any better words. My Saturday was empty. The lads were all off to the match, focusing on the game and I was dilly-dallying around the house," Ferdinand admitted.

"But I still went to every home game and most away games. I went to watch them, be in touch with them, and that went a long way to keeping my mind on the game.

"Saturdays were bad. But every day when the team is doing functions, and you are not in that team, it hits home that you are not involved and there was still a long way to go.

"Sir Alex Ferguson just said 'make sure you keep the frame of mind that you are injured for eight months until you play, and that will put you in a better frame of mind than if you go and sulk'.

"I was in a bar in Miami, watching Euro 2004, cheering the team on, being involved in the songs. It was nice to be a fan but still very hard because I wanted to be there."

Ferdinand appreciated support from not only Ferguson, but also Sven-Goran Eriksson, noting that he has been "blessed with my managers" and that their backing will "always be remembered and appreciated".

Now, however, is the time to look forward, with the challenge of facing Wales at Old Trafford.

Eriksson is likely to restore not only Ferdinand but also fit-again Sol Campbell, at the expense of John Terry and Ledley King, who have performed so well in their absence.

"I don't necessarily feel sorry for Ledley and John as that's football," said Ferdinand.

"But I've been in that situation and I have always appreciated playing for England. I didn't need a kick up the backside."

Eriksson is nevertheless unlikely to resist the temptation to restore a partnership who has played together just twice since the 2002 World Cup, when he believed they were the best defensive duo.

Campbell observed: "Rio is a class player and if any class player is missing for a long time, it's hard for the team.

"But he's back now and I'm sure he's really happy to be back."