Having finally returned from a frustrating year-long absence with an ankle injury, Gary Neville is now looking forward to playing a part in Manchester United's bid for Champions League glory.

The club captain returned to action during a nine-minute substitute appearance as United secured their place in the semi-finals of the competition with a 1-0 win over Roma at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

Alex Ferguson's side now face Barcelona in the last four and Neville, who was given a rousing reception from the fans - as well as the skipper's armband - as he came on against Roma, cannot wait to make a full return to action.

"I hope I can play a small part because it's frustrating missing run-ins," said Neville, who was making his 99th appearance in European football's top competition.

"I got a good reception. The fans have always been great to me and they were again tonight."

On Catalan giants Barcelona, Neville added: "We've two unbelievable games of football to look forward to as they are two clubs who play the right way.

"Anyone who is a football fan will be tuning in."

United boss Ferguson, who also welcomed back long-term absentee Mikael Silvestre against the Giallorossi, was delighted to see Neville back in action with such a crucial period, both at home and abroad,on the horizon.

"It's been a long time for the boy. About 13 months now," Ferguson said.

"When we got to the position of 1-0 it was an easy decision to make to introduce him.

"We didn't know where to play him that was the problem but he just wandered about getting a feel of the ball.

"It was a great reception he got from the fans and it's good to have the boy back.

"In the last couple of months he's had a special programme to regain his fitness and his experience will be invaluable."

United progressed into the semi-finals 3-0 on aggregate after Carlos Tevez netted the winner on the night to add to Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney's first leg goals.

Both Ronaldo and Rooney were rested for the return leg at Old Trafford, a luxury Ferguson could afford ahead of Saturday's crunch Premier League against Arsenal.

Ferguson said : "Having a 2-0 lead against Roma and playing at Old Trafford gave me encouragement and confidence to rest some players.

"We trust all of our squad because they are good players and they can play in any type of game.

"Matches against Arsenal and Chelsea, the two big ones, are fantastic occasions all the players look forward to.

"It's better if you go into them in fantastic form, and I think our form is decent.

"It will be a great game on Sunday. Arsenal have been our main competitors for over 15 years, and it's not going to change on Sunday.

"It will be a hard fought match, and hopefully we can take the spoils."

Mike Hytner / Eurosport