Neville nearing full fitness

30 March 2009 12:49
Gary Neville could hand Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson a timely boost ahead of the must-win clash against Aston Villa by declaring himself fit. The 34-year-old is set to appear for the club's second string against Newcastle on Monday as he bids to come back from his latest injury setback. Ferguson is already without fellow right backs Rafael da Silva and Wes Brown, while John O'Shea's confidence seems to have taken a pummelling after the club's back to back Premier League defeats. The United skipper has had an injury plagued two years at Old Trafford with an ankle injury suffered in March 2007 keeping him out for the majority of last season. After a returning for the start of the current campaign Neville suffered further injury woe when he picked up a groin injury which sidelined him for two months. Neville recovered sufficiently to be named on the bench for the 2-0 defeat to Fulham last time out but must now prove his fitness from the start against the Magpies' reserves. The right-back is determined to be a part of United's title run in after missing out altogether last season as the club went on to secure the Premier League and UEFA Champions League crown.

Source: SKY_Sports