Neville itching to return

Gary Neville says he is itching to return to first team action after spending the last nine months on the sidelines.

The United skipper has been beset by injuries since suffering ankle ligament damage back in March during the Reds' win over Bolton Wanderers.

But after receiving some positive feedback from a specialist last week, Neville says there is now light at the end of the tunnel.

"I'd love to be back playing. I've already started training again and I'll be in over Christmas," he is quoted as saying in the Daily Mirror.

"It's been really frustrating for me, but the inspiration is watching the lads play. When I watch them out on the pitch that's where I want to be and I can't wait to get back."