Neville sets bench mark

Veteran full-back ready to fight for first-team spot

Last updated: 3rd October 2008

Owen Hargreaves Gary Neville Manchester United

Neville: Life on the bench

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Gary Neville is grateful Premier League clubs are now allowed seven substitutes as he accepts he could spend part of the season on Manchester United's bench.

After almost 15 months on the sidelines, club captain Neville has returned to the first-team fray this term and largely impressed with his fitness and form.

Having seemingly usurped Wes Brown, who excelled in his absence last season, as Sir Alex Ferguson's first choice at right-back, Neville is facing a fresh challenge from elsewhere.

In UEFA Champions League action in midweek, Brazilian Rafael da Silva was given his head and gave a performance that combined flair with maturity and suggested he could play his part this term.

Neville, at 33-years-old, accepts he will not play every game but is content to be involved - even if it is just keeping his manager company on the bench.

Part of it

"It is much better to have seven substitutes," said Neville.

"Nowadays clubs can have up to 22 players in their squads with most of them travelling to games but up until this season, six of them would not even make the bench.

"At least if you are on the bench you feel part of it and there is a chance you might get on.

"That is the worst thing about being out injured. You feel like you are not contributing.

"I am not a great sub. I am hardly going to come on and change a game. But it is great to be back travelling with the lads and feeling part of it again."