Neville, Scholes close to Fitness

Manchester United's Gary Neville and Paul Scholes are recovering well from their long-term injuries.

United currently sit two points behind leaders Arsenal in the battle to retain their Premier League crown and the return of the experienced duo would be a welcome boost for Sir Alex Ferguson's men.

Club captain Neville has not featured at all this season after picking up an ankle injury in March and Scholes has been missing since undergoing knee surgery in October.

Ferguson has now revealed that Neville only requires match practice before he can make his return to the fold and that Scholes should be back in first-team contention by the middle of February.

"Gary Neville's training with the team," the United boss told the Manchester Evening News. "What we need to do with Gary is get him a game. The reserves league is closed down during the Christmas period, but once that starts up that's one avenue. Game situations will bring him on a good bit. We're happy with his progress, we're assured he's okay now and it's just a matter of getting him games.

"Paul's doing nice, easy running now," Ferguson added.