Jonny Evans has revealed how Manchester United captain Gary Neville helped him through rape allegations earlier this season.

While another former United team-mate Roy Keane admitted the furore helped Sunderland take him on loan for a second time, Evans praised the Old Trafford captain for the support he provided.

"Over the past few months Gary has been fantastic with me, especially with the off-the- field stuff as well as on the field," said Evans, now on-loan at Sunderland.

"He's shown he has been a really good captain for Manchester United even though he hasn't been playing through injury."

Evans, a key figure in Sunderland's successful Championship promotion campaign when he was on loan last season, returned to Wearside in January and his consistent performances have made him a popular figure with supporters.

Keane admitted he was fortunate to land the player for a second spell at the club. He said: "I think when there are allegations about a player, the manager always thinks it is good for him to go out and get some games. We were lucky in that sense."