Neville Returns

Manchester United defender Gary Neville has made his long-awaited comeback from injury, playing for nearly an hour for the club's reserves on Thursday.

The right-back, 32, suffered an ankle injury in March while muscle strains have delayed his return this season.

Neville was booked and scored an own goal as United beat Stockport 6-1 in the Manchester Senior Cup.

Given United play Arsenal on Saturday just after midday it seems doubtful Neville will feature in that game. But the United defender may make the bench for next week's Champions League game against Dynamo Kiev.

Neville's return will be welcome news for England boss Steve McLaren with a crucial Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia coming up on 21 November. Neville's international replacement, Manchester City full-back Micah Richards was stretchered off in a Carling Cup victory over Bolton.