Manchester United & England defender Gary Neville retains World Cup 2010 hope

Manchester United defender Gary Neville has not ruled out playing for England again, after his recent run of games in the Red Devils' first team.

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Neville has won 85 caps for his country, but his last was almost three years ago, and England boss Fabio Capello has selected him just once during his reign.

The 35-year old did, however, put in a fine performance during United’s 4-0 victory over AC Milan, and with injury doubts over Glen Johnson and Wes Brown, Neville would represent an experienced replacement at right-back.

The United captain stressed that he would love to be a part of an England squad again, despite his prolonged absence from international football.

Speaking to the Press Association, he said:  "England is out of my hands.

"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."

Neville has received plenty of praise from United boss Sir Alex Ferguson for the way he has continued to come back despite being dogged by injury problems in recent years.

He said: "Gary is a great player and a remarkable man.

"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."

Neville admitted that he was still enjoying his football, and felt night’s like the one that saw the Red Devils defeat AC Milan 4-0 were "a dream."

"I enjoy these nights as much as I have ever done," said the full-back.

"It is what you live for. Playing against AC Milan at Old Trafford in front of 75,000. It is a dream."

Despite admitting he enjoyed the performance, Neville was quick to play down any hint of complacency and insisted that the upcoming Champions League quarter-final would be tough for United, whoever they face.

"People like to come up with a headline that you have sent a message out but when the draw is made, the quarter-final will be two more difficult games, no matter who we are playing," he added.

"We are confident at the moment and playing well.

"We are happy with this performance, and the one at the San Siro.

"Whether the rest of Europe look at that and think United are in form again, I don't know. I hope so. But we have a lot to do before we get back to another final.

"There has only been one year in the last 10 or 12 that we have not got to the knock-out phase, so we have experience.

"Hopefully the draw is kind and gives us an away leg first.

"But we have to be at the peak of our performance if we want to get a result."

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