Neville returns for United - Sport in brief - Evening Standard
       

Neville returns for United

Gary Neville returns to the Manchester United squad for the first time in a year for the Barclays Premier League match at Middlesbrough on Sunday.

The club captain has recovered from a long-standing ankle problem and played 90 minutes for the reserves against Newcastle on Monday.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has praised 33-year-old Neville's work ethic after a 12-month absence from the first team saying: "It has been a long road back for Gary. It is not easy at his age but his enthusiasm for the game and his determination to get back, that is what gives you the most encouragement about him."

He added: "I think he will figure in some games this season. He played a full match for the reserves this week, which was good. His personality and experience will help us."

With Mikael Silvestre also fit, United have good cover for defender Nemanja Vidic, who is out for two to three weeks with a knee injury.

"Of course he (Vidic) is a loss but I think we can cope," said Ferguson.

"If we cannot, there is something wrong. We are very well covered in his position."

Nani (thigh), Darren Fletcher (knee) and Louis Saha (hamstring) remain sidelined through injury.

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