SAINT NICK'S COMING

Last updated : 22 December 2002 By Editor

The Sunday Mirror claims that Nicky Butt may have to go back under the knife to cure the ankle problem that has sidelined him for the last three months.

The Manchester United midfielder was expected to return to Sir Alex Ferguson's squad over the Christmas period. But his recovery hasn't gone as planned and the fear is that Butt may need another operation to bring him back to full fitness. Butt has been unable to step up his training regime because of discomfort in the joint.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admitted: "Nicky is a wee bit behind. Some days he feels fine, some days he goes back a bit. It's a strange one, to be honest with you."

Various other reports say he is on the road to recovery