The 33-year-old has not featured for his country since the friendly defeat against Spain at Old Trafford in February last year.
Having played in only two European Championship qualifiers under Steve McClaren due to various injuries, he then broke an ankle which put him on a downward spiral that saw him spend 15 months on the sidelines.
Happily restored to the United first-team squad on a regular basis, Neville's career is still being managed with military precision by Ferguson as he looks to get the most from his captain.
However, the Scot would have no worries at all if Fabio Capello was to draft Neville into his squad for next month's friendly with Germany in Berlin. After all he has been through, Ferguson believes it is the least Neville deserves.
"If Gary were to get a call-up for England it would be fantastic for the lad," said the United boss.
"I would not be concerned at all. In fact, I would be really pleased for him because I think it would give him a great boost.
"He deserves it after what he has gone through over the last year and a half.
"The perseverance he has shown and the faith he has in himself has been tremendous."
Unlike team-mate Ryan Giggs, who abandoned his Wales career at around the same age, Neville has given no indication he does not want to add to his 85 caps.
There is no doubt Neville's loyalties remain at Old Trafford but Ferguson is confident the opinionated Bury-born star could combine appearances for club and country.
"He has been out for 18 months, which is a long time," said Ferguson.
"But he is such a determined lad, I am sure he would cope with the rigours of playing club football as well as internationals."
In fact, a few games for England could benefit both Neville and Ferguson.
The United manager already had a tough selection dilemma at right-back given Wes Brown's outstanding season there last year before the emergence of teenage Brazilian Rafael.
At just 18, Rafael was not expected to force his way into the senior picture quite as quickly as he has. But the youngster has impressed every time he has been called upon; his latest appearance coming against West Brom last Saturday.
Neville took over for the 'Battle of Britain' Champions League duel with Celtic on Tuesday, leaving Brown to come in for tomorrow's trip to Everton as Ferguson continues his juggling act.
"The way we are trying to manage Gary at the moment is not playing him Saturday, Wednesday, Saturday," said Ferguson.
"I wanted as much freshness in my team as possible against West Brom last weekend and Wes Brown had been away on international duty, so I brought in Rafael, whose enthusiasm and excitement to play was a contribution to the performance.
"On Tuesday I felt it was going to be an emotional night with Celtic bringing a massive support down and going on what happened two years ago I felt Gary's experience would be important.
"Tomorrow it could be Wes Brown's turn."
Tweet
Comments
Login or Register to comment
Seems to me Fergie has Wes dangling on a string here.
Of course, what it will also do is to bring the very best out of Wes when he does get a game.
Gaz is a ledge. Up there with with the modern day greats like Keane, Schmeichel, van Nistelrooy, Kleberson, Becks, Giggs, Ferdinand and Scholes. I threw in a joke one there, anyone spot it. Thats right.....Giggs. Gaz has been a perfect right back. Great ambassador fro United. Defensively sound, and overlapping, brilliant. He also had influence on the pitch like Keane, because he had respect of his peers. Wes is as good a defender, but nowhere near as good going forward. Raphael is brilliant going forward, but nowhere near Gaz at defending. Gaz is truly a hard man to replace. His only weak point was his brother. Saying that,I have serious reservations about him resurecting his England career. Proud though he obviously is, maybe its time to follow Scholes into international retirement. At 33 years of age he's got a big enough job on keeping his place at united now.
Gerry and Khaled I hope you do not get the blame again for this one from me. In case you didn't see my last posting on the Becks story I apologised to you both for getting my stick. I actually agree with both your points. I cannot see Gaz getting back into the England squad but I hope he has a good season this year with us cause he deserves to leave the game on a high. But Wes was brilliant for us last season as two trophies will tell you and I am inclined to stick with Wes just now.
Thank God Fergies not manager of England.