Neville Close to Comeback

Manchester United defender Gary Neville is poised to make his long-awaited return from injury when he plays for the reserves on Thursday.

Neville has been out since March with calf and ankle problems but he resumed training late last month.

Boss Sir Alex Ferguson said: "We are hoping to use Gary against Liverpool reserves this week. That's the plan.

"He is getting better and improving all the time. He needs games now and hopefully he can start on Thursday."

Ferguson added: "He's over his last injury and he has been training now for over two weeks and he is at a good level.

"It will be a good introduction for him game-wise.