Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is confident Paul Scholes will be available towards the end of the season.

Scholes, off contract in June, is struggling with a knee problem.

"Paul Scholes has got that little problem with his knee at this moment in time," said Ferguson.

"He's on the mend now, but when you get injuries at this age it takes you a little while to get back.

"Paul has been amazing because he's had two or three injuries over the years and has come back better every time.

"I'm sure we'll get the benefits of Paul Scholes at the tail end of the season."