Rare strike for Gary Neville as he plays 45 minutes for United reserves

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The Manchester United skipper has not played a first-team game since breaking an ankle against Bolton in March last year, during which time he has also been troubled by thigh and calf problems.

Neville was due to feature in last month's Champions League dead rubber against Roma but was forced to pull out after experiencing pain in his ankle, which left Sir Alex Ferguson fearing a major delay in the full-back's comeback plans.

However, Ferguson reported the fresh problem was merely due to scar tissue and after being given the green light to step up training, Neville - who has found the net just seven times in his United career - promptly scored against Everton, albeit with the aid of a couple of deflections after he let fly with a left-footed strike after cutting inside the area.

On a windswept night at Widnes, Neville appeared to show no ill-effects from his exertions, although he was taken off at half-time as the Red Devils drew 2-2.