Brown promises more sterling service

Wes Brown refuses to take anything for granted after stepping into the shoes of Manchester United captain Gary Neville.

The England right-back is enjoying a regular run in the side as United prepare to face Lyon in the Champions League on Wednesday, but given his injury problems, Brown has nothing but sympathy for long-serving defender Neville, who has been sidelined since March with an ankle problem.

Brown said: "I have been here for more than 10 years and know what Gary is capable of and what he has achieved. Just to come in for him all season has been perfect for me. I hope he will be fit as soon as possible and we will see what happens then. I will just continue to give it my best."

Brown has no doubts at all about why he is playing probably the best football of his life.

"I have been in and out of the side in the past, after picking up little niggles here and there," he said. "This season the captain has been out of action, and I have filled in.

"It is good to be playing week in, week out. You get into a routine, know what you are doing and know your position.

"I have been doing okay and hope I can keep the run going."

United travel to France for the first-leg match, with the treble dream still alive. Portsmouth visit Old Trafford in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup - while next up in the league is a trip to Newcastle on Saturday.

Lyon present a difficult obstacle, according to goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar.

"It will be a tricky tie," said the Dutch veteran. They may not be one of the biggest names in Europe but they have a number of quality players."