Manchester United captain Gary Neville is close to a first team return.

He has played for the second string four times since the turn of the year and recently admitted he feared he may not get a first-team outing this season.

Boss Sir Alex Ferguson hinted last week he was ready to plunge his club captain back into action if Wes Brown had been injured on international duty.

He pulled Neville out of a reserve team game last week in case he was needed and he may now get his chance with Vidic out of the picture.

Ferguson said last week: "He's very well in training and he's improving really well.

"He's done a full week's training with us. Every day he's been at a really good level, good standard, and I think he's starting to get nearer.

"You will find that Gary is involved in the team quite soon."