Manchester United defender Gary Neville is hopeful of being fit for this weekend's Charity Shield against Chelsea.

The England international full-back missed much of the second half of last season due to an ankle ligament injury.

Neville is desperate to avoid missing anymore football and believes featuring in the Wembley showpiece will prove his fitness ahead of the new season.

"I've done quite a bit of rehabilitation work over the summer and started pre-season with the team," he told thefa.com.

"I'm starting to run out on the field and I'm hoping to be fit for the Community Shield.

"It will be fantastic for me to be able to get in for the game and get ready for the start of the season.

"I don't want to miss anymore football, I'm desperate to play with this team; I think it's such an exciting time."