Manchester United defender Gary Neville is hoping for a World Cup call-up after returning to form.
Veteran full-back "always available" for England call-up
Manchester United defender Gary Neville is hoping for a World Cup call-up from Fabio Capello after overcoming long-term injury problems.
The United captain already has 85 caps for his country, but has not played for England for three years and has only featured in one of Capello's squads.
However, with United team-mate Wes Brown ruled out for the rest of the season with a broken foot - the same injury that forced Neville out of the 2002 World Cup, the 35-year-old has made himself available for selection.
He may face competition from Liverpool full-back Glen Johnson, who is also returning from injury, but whilst not expecting to be named in Capello's 23-man squad for South Africa, Neville insists he is ready for the World Cup.
"England is out of my hands," said Neville.
"It has not happened for two to three years and I am not holding out for a call but I have not retired. I always said I never would.
"I am playing for United and would play for my country."
Catalyst
Just to even be mentioned says much about Neville's fortitude.
It is three years since he suffered a broken ankle in a tackle with Gary Speed at Old Trafford that proved to be the catalyst for a succession of muscular problems.
Even though he has made far more frequent appearances this season, Neville has still only played in 48 games during the intervening period, missing out on, amongst other things, two European Cup finals and the 2007 FA Cup final defeat to Chelsea.
There must have been times when Neville thought about abandoning the uphill struggle.
Yet, to his immense credit, the Bury-born star has continued to fight.
"Gary is a great player and a remarkable man," said Sir Alex Ferguson.
"When you are out of the game for 18 months it is never going to be an easy road back to playing every week. Not at 35.
"He succeeds because he has the will. That is what Gary Neville is about."
