However, after the longest absence of his career – during which time he has seen Wes Brown stake a viable claim for his right-back slot at United and Micah Richards emerge as a major contender for his international shirt – Neville is now on the brink of a comeback.

“It has been too long,” he told Manchester United Radio.

“Missing the end of last season was bad enough but then for it to go into this season is doubly frustrating. Hopefully it’s over now and I can get back into the team.

“I’ve made myself available but with the way Wes is playing it might be a case of easing me back in over the space of a couple of weeks.”

After such a long time on the sidelines, Neville is unlikely to figure in Saturday’s crunch Barclays Premier League showdown with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, when Paul Scholes will begin a three-month absence following knee surgery.

However, if he comes through a planned outing against Stockport at Northwich Victoria this week, there is an outside chance Neville could be on the bench when United tackle Dynamo Kiev in the Champions League at Old Trafford next week, when victory will secure their place in the knockout phase with two games to spare.

That would bring blessed relief for Neville, who has grown increasingly frustrated at his lack of action.

“The worst part about it has been going into the gym every day,” he said.

“It’s okay for a couple of weeks but after that it’s just mundane and boring.

“The physios try to make it as exciting as possible for you, but there’s only so much excitement you can get out of a rowing machine or a bike.

“Most of all, I miss going out on the pitch.

“An hour and a half on the training pitch flies by, but an hour and a half in the gym can feel like three days.

“I’m seeing the lads playing well and they’re getting good results and I want to be part of it.”