"When he came into the team last season he did a fantastic job, then he went to the World Cup with England and was a huge success."
Fergie added: "I think Nicky has only complained about being left out once.
"Sometimes his maturity has been bankrupted by years of sitting on the bench watching.
"But he has always had a part to play with us and this season that part might be even bigger. He could be a real bonus for us."