Chris Smalling has his eyes on one of the centre-back roles at Manchester United.

First choice pairing Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic have both been ruled out for a number of weeks after limping out of the Red Devils' 2-1 victory at West Bromwich Albion on Sunday afternoon.

Phil Jones and Jonny Evans replaced the duo, with Smalling having started the game at the Hawthorns at right-back.

However, the former Fulham defender hopes that Sir Alex Ferguson will select him to fill the void left by Ferdinand and Vidic.

"It is unfortunate when somebody has to drop out but I suppose a door has opened," Smalling told the Manchester Evening News.

"Somebody has to step up to the plate. I will be the same as the others wanting to step into that centre-back role and do the job.

"I want to do the job as well as the likes of Rio have done for many years."

Smalling recently agreed a new five-year deal with United.