Sir Alex Ferguson has backed Gary Neville's claim for an England recall.

The Manchester United captain, 33, has not been selected since the friendly defeat by Spain at Old Trafford in February 2007 and has been plagued by a persistent ankle problem.

However, he has returned to action for United and Ferguson would be happy for Fabio Capello to draft Neville into his squad for next month's friendly against Germany in Berlin.

"If Gary were to get a call-up for England it would be fantastic for the lad," Ferguson said. "I would not be concerned at all. I would be really pleased for him because it would give him a great boost.

"He deserves it after what he has gone through over the last year and a half. The perseverance he has shown and the faith he has in himself has been tremendous."

"He has been out for 18 months, which is a long time. But he is such a determined lad, I am sure he would cope with the rigours of playing club football as well as internationals."

Neville faces a battle for his place in the United team with Wes Brown and the emergence of Rafael, the teenage Brazilian. Ferguson insists the competition is good for the side, suggesting Brown is likely to play against Everton tomorrow.

"The way we are trying to manage Gary at the moment is not playing him Saturday, Wednesday, Saturday," Ferguson said.

"I wanted as much freshness in my team as possible against West Brom last weekend and Wes Brown had been away on international duty, so I brought in Rafael, whose enthusiasm and excitement to play was a contribution to the performance.

"On Tuesday I felt it was going to be an emotional night with Celtic bringing a massive support down and going on what happened two years ago I felt Gary's experience would be important. Tomorrow it could be Wes Brown's turn."