Alex Ferguson is confident Gary Neville will soon return despite suffering a number of setbacks since sustaining an ankle injury almost a year ago.

The Manchester United skipper has played just twice for the reserves since sustaining an ankle injury in March last year and lasted just 45 minutes of a reserve game against Everton last month.

The 33-year-old has attempted to made a number of aborted comebacks since breaking his ankle but has also struggled with thigh and calf problems.

However, Ferguson is adamant the England defender will make a successful return to the Red Devils side.

He said: "Gary is training, the same as last week, and we are hoping there are no more setbacks and that he gets a trouble-free run-in. If he does that, then I have no doubts he will come back."