Gary Neville knows he is facing one of the biggest challenges of his career as he prepares for pre-season training with Manchester United.The England international missed virtually all of last season as he battled a series of injuries after breaking his ankle towards the end of the 2006/07 campaign.

Wes Brown took over as right-back at Old Trafford in Neville's absence and has also been selected by England boss Fabio Capello.

Neville knows he will have his work cut out to force his way back into Sir Alex Ferguson's side, but is inspired by the man he is trying to oust.

He told MUTV: "I've got a number of challenges ahead of me and the ultimate one is to try and get back into that team ahead of Wes (Brown).

"That's going to be hard for me given the way Wes performed last season. I would say he was in our top two or three most consistent players. He was fantastic throughout the season and deserved all the success he got.

"I can talk about my injuries and being out for 12 months, but Wes has had two cruciate ligament injuries and been out for 12 months twice.

"I know now where he was during those years and I appreciate how difficult it is. And even though Wes is younger than me, he is a great example to me of how you come back into the team after an injury."

Neville will be back at Carrington on Wednesday as United begin their build up to the new Premier League campaign, but any players on duty at Euro 2008 will be given an extended break.

He added: "Pre-season is hugely important for every player but this time it's massive for me as I try to break into a team that's won the Double.

"And it's an even greater challenge than normal for the team as we try to repeat the success of last season."

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