Fergie: Neville Due Back

Sir Alex Ferguson says he expects Gary Neville to be fit and ready to play for United after the international break.

The United boss revealed that the injury is not as bad as first feared and believes Neville will be in contention to make his comeback during the Reds' 24 November trip to Bolton, ironically the team he suffered his initial against nearly eight months ago.

"Gary will be okay next week," insisted Sir Alex. "He felt a bit of a strain in his calf, so panic immediately sets in with everybody because he has had such a hard time.

"But the projection is that it is more precautionary than treatment requiring, so he will be back in the game after Blackburn."

The manager also confirmed that Edwin van der Sar was withdrawn from the action at the break because of a toe complaint, but should be fit for Sunday's clash with Blackburn.

And Sir Alex insisted his decision to rest a handful of his senior players against the Ukraines was merely a precautionary measure.

"The plan with Owen Hargreaves was always to give him a rest after the Arsenal game," he said. "Rio Ferdinand has played every game this season and it was a good opportunity to give Ryan Giggs a break as well."