Owen may make the bench

28/09/2007 11:12, Report by Gemma Thompson & Ben Hibbs

Owen Hargreaves could be on the bench for United's Barclays Premier League trip to Birmingham City on Saturday tea-time.

The midfielder has not featured since the 1-0 win over Sunderland at the beginning of this month after picking up a thigh strain whilst on international duty with England.

Sir Alex Ferguson says the 26-year-old has been training well over the last few days and may be included in the squad to face Steve Bruce's men.

"Owen has been doing very well in training and is a consideration for Saturday," revealed the manager at his pre-match press briefing. "He might be a sub or we might decide to hold him back for the Roma game."

Meanwhile, Gary Neville is edging ever closer to a return to action and could play his first match next week.

The Reds' skipper has endured a torrid time since damaging ankle ligaments in March. He has since picked up further minor knocks which have resulted in him missing the opening two months of the current campaign.

But there is finally some light at the end of the tunnel for the right-back.

"Gary is getting closer," insisted Sir Alex. "He has being doing very well in training and I'm hoping to pencil him in for a game at some point next week.

"There is a Reserves match against Liverpool the following week which would be a good introduction to a game situation."