Manchester United veteran Gary Neville has declared that he’s more than prepared to act as an emergency alternative should Sir Alex Ferguson be in need of defensive reinforcement at Wigan.
Terrible luck with injuries has reduced Neville to just a single cameo appearance this season - nine minutes against Roma - but he insists that he still feels very much part of the team and will be celebrating just as hard as the rest of the squad should United secure the title this weekend.
“I am feeling good. I have been training and travelling with the team for the last seven or eight matches and really enjoying being back among the lads,” he said.
“It is going to be difficult for the manager with the defence playing so well, and I understand that it is almost impossible for him to get me in. I totally accept that.
“The matches are too important to help get players their fitness back but I am there. I am fit and have been for six to eight weeks and if I am required or am needed at any point, I have to be ready.
“It has been a frustrating season for me, but that will all be lifted if we win the title and the Champions League. That is the most important thing. Players get injuries. The most important thing is that this club wins trophies.
“It is a fantastic achievement to get to the Champions League final,” he added. “We have talked over the last seven or eight years how we have not been quite ready at times. We have maybe lacked assuredness in the defensive side of things and conceded goals.
“But over two games in the semi-final we stopped Barcelona scoring. To win 1-0 shows the team have matured.
“We thoroughly deserved to get to the final. We have been unbeaten in the competition and our form in Europe has been fantastic.”
The United captain has not featured since March 2007, when he was forced from the field in a Premier League fixture against Bolton Wanderers. Since then the 33-year-old has been hampered by constant setbacks and relapses in his bid to regain fitness, which had even caused speculation that he may announce his retirement.
Derek Wanner, Goal.com
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