Fergie optimistic over Neville fitness

Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson is optimistic Gary Neville has now recovered from the virus that ruled him out of the Red Devils’ festive programme.

The England full-back has not played since the 5-2 Barclays Premiership win over Crystal Palace on December 18 and was sent home prior to the Boxing Day encounter with Bolton because he felt so ill.

Ferguson admitted at the weekend club medical staff had been unable to pinpoint the precise nature of the problem and was unsure when the 29-year-old would be available again.

However, Neville reported for duty this morning after a 10-day break and claimed he was feeling much better, and while Saturday’s trip to Liverpool may come slightly too soon for the long-serving defender, he could feature in next week’s FA Cup replay at Exeter.

“Gary has had a virus that did not go away,” said Ferguson.

“Until this morning, he had not been near the training ground for 10 days but he has come in and told us he feels much better.

“We will just measure him day by day, but the main thing is that he is eating normally again and by the end of the week he will be back into full training.”