Gary Neville is determined to battle for his
place at Manchester United despite increased competition for
first-team football.
The England international has struggled with injuries over the
past two seasons and has seen his opportunities limited.
Wes Brown, John O'Shea and Rafael Da Silva are all options for
Sir Alex Ferguson at right-back, with O'Shea getting the nod in the
UEFA Champions League final.
Neville has even been linked with a shock move away from Old
Trafford, with Middlesbrough considering a bid for his services,
but the veteran is keen to stay with the Premier League
champions.
The defender admits he has had to change his game in recent
years and accepts he may not be able to offer the same attacking
threat as some of his team-mates.
He told the People: "I played a good number of games
last season and I hope that continues next season because playing
for this club is as special to me now as it was when I first pulled
on the shirt as a schoolboy.
"Full-backs have an important role, particularly at United, in
terms of the way we attack and the way in which there's a
transition from defence through our full-backs to attack.
"We have always set up play and been part of the extra-man
situation and we always play with width.
"The way you see guys like Patrice Evra and Rafael Da Silva
attacking, they are more like wingers who can defend - they aren't
just full-backs any more.
"The way in which the modern full-back like Rafael, his brother
Fabio and Patrice play is fantastic to watch. Before I got injured
a couple of years ago you'd say I was running forward nearly all
the time during the game.
"Don't get me wrong - I don't do that in the same eye-catching
way as they do, but you understand the changes and development in
the game and the way I've had to adapt."