SIR Alex Ferguson may have launched Manchester United's spectacular victory over Newcastle with a half-time rocket but it was an arm around the shoulder which provided Danny Simpson with the confidence to atone for his recent misery.

The 20-year-old academy graduate is highly rated by Ferguson and was one of the few to come through September's Carling Cup debacle against Coventry with his reputation unscathed.

Yet Simpson might have been expecting to spend an extended spell on the sidelines after his first Barclays Premier League start against Everton last month ended with his exit at half-time, having failed to cope with the threat of Steven Pienaar.

However, while Ferguson is not frightened of delivering a few home truths to his senior stars, as Rio Ferdinand confirmed after the weekend annihilation of the ailing Magpies, the United boss has enough experience to know when a softly-softly approach is required.

And, having assured Simpson one bad performance would not be held against him, Ferguson gained his reward with an excellent 25-minute cameo from the Salford-born defender, which should probably have brought a first senior goal.

"It didn't go too well against Everton but the manager just told me to learn from it," said Simpson.

"In that kind of situation, you can either hide or worker harder to prove you are a Manchester United player.

"It is a test of character and some people do fold. Hopefully, if I get another opportunity, I can do just as well."

Despite renewed interest from Rangers, Ferguson has pledged to keep Simpson at Old Trafford for the remainder of the campaign even though, with skipper Gary Neville returning to full fitness after his ankle injury, and Wes Brown back from suspension for next Saturday's trip to Reading, chances could be limited.

Beneficiary

Yet, with Brown continuing to stall over a new contract, Simpson could be the major beneficiary if the England international decides to leave the Red Devils on a free transfer, as he is entitled to do in the summer.

A lifelong United fan, Simpson can barely disguise the excitement he gets from appearing for the Old Trafford outfit and it would be a major surprise if he was not drafted into Stuart Pearce's England Under-21 squad before the season is out.

Certainly, there cannot be a better education for a young full-back than having to face Ryan Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo in training.

Ronaldo in particular is lethal at present and though he is not quite halfway to reaching Denis Law's seasonal best goalscoring tally, on current form, few would bet against the brilliant Portugal winger reaching the Scot's all-time record of 46.

"Sometimes, Cristiano puts in a performance and you think 'he can't get any better than that'. But he does," said Simpson.

"At times, he is simply unplayable and Saturday was one of those occasions. It was all happening so quickly, I didn't even know what the score was at one point."

As Paul Scholes is due to return early next month and fears over a long-term injury to Louis Saha have been played down, United's strength in depth is beginning to look like providing them with a significant edge in the title race, even though Arsenal have marginally the easier run-in.

Victory over Reading - who have held United on three of their five meetings in the past two seasons - would keep Ferguson's men top of the table ahead of a five-day break in Saudi Arabia which the Red Devils boss feels will freshen his team up for the long chase for honours.

Do you think Simpson will become a first team regular? Have your say.