Neville admits fitness frustration

Gary Neville has admitted his frustration at not being able to hold down a regular first-team place with United due to his injuries.

The 33-year-old former England international right-back is hoping to get a run out in Wednesday's final Champions League group clash against Danish outfit Aalborg following a disappointing campaign in which he has barely featured after working his way back to full fitness.

Neville lost his guaranteed place on the right side of the United back line when he was sidelined for 20 months with an ankle injury suffered playing against Bolton in March 2007. And, despite his replacement Wes Brown also being out injured, Rafael has now taken on the role in recent games to leave Neville kicking his heels on the sidelines.

"To be honest, I've not been able to stay fit enough, long enough, or produce consistently good enough performances to stay in the team, simple as that," Neville told MUTV.

"You've got to be realistic and honest with yourself. The first thing you've got to do is stay fit. If you do that over a long period of time, you get the opportunity to get your level of performance to something that is acceptable for this club."