Brown the right man for a crisis

WES Brown, the forgotten man of Manchester United’s defence, is ready to answer an SOS as the Reds close in on the Premier League title.

United skipper Gary Neville and defensive colleague John O'Shea could be out for weeks after being injured in Wednesday’s 2–0 victory over Portsmouth at Old Trafford.

Their absence leaves Rafael as the only current cover at right–back and while the Brazilian has had an outstanding season for United, manager Sir Alex Ferguson might be reluctant to rely solely on a teenager during the crucial later stages of the campaign.

After a season wrecked by injury, Brown came through a reserve–team return at Preston on Monday and Ferguson is ready to draft the England star into his squad for tomorrow’s crucial encounter with Tottenham.

"Wes is fine. He is training hard and should be OK for the weekend," said United assistant manager Mike Phelan.

Brown has been missing with a foot injury since October.

Although he did briefly return to action with a couple of substitute appearances at the end of January, the defender then dropped back out of the side.

However, while his performance at Liverpool earlier this season did attract criticism, Ferguson will not have forgotten that Brown was the mainstay of a defence that won the Premier League and Champions League trophies last term.

Three points clear of Liverpool with a game in hand, United have one hand on the Premier League trophy and victory over a resurgent Spurs side tomorrow would make the Reds near-certainties to clinch a third successive title.

No-one has enjoyed more glory under Ferguson than Ryan Giggs, and the model professional will reach another personal milestone if he plays.

Giggs, English football’s most successful player in terms of trophies won, will reach 800 appearances for United, which underlines his longevity, fitness record and consistency.

While Ferguson will be desperate to notch up another league win tomorrow, he will also have one eye on next Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final first leg against Arsenal at Old Trafford.

Expect one or two fringe players to be involved, although the Reds boss will be acutely aware of the threat posed by Spurs under Harry Redknapp.

After his second stint as Portsmouth boss, Redknapp joined Spurs when they were languishing in the Premier League drop zone.

But the North London giants have improved steadily under Redknapp’s tenure and currently sit in ninth place, with their Premier League status secure.