BLACK AND WHITE

Last updated : 11 February 2005 By Editor
Phil Neville believes that playing international games during a hectic period is
good for players as it can help them relax and switch off from their busy
schedules.

'People say it has come at a busy time for us but sometimes it's a time to switch off from your club side and relax a little bit.

'You go and play for England and come back rejuvenated because at the club
you are playing three games a week.

'You probably need a change of direction sometimes. You can worry all the time about players going off here, there and everywhere. They are playing for their country at the end of the day and there's nothing you can do about it.

'Over the course of the season every club, including Chelsea and Arsenal, they have the same problem as us. It's part and parcel of modern football that you play international football sandwiched between important league games.

'If you look at the players at United they have been doing that for the last 10
years anyway, so I'm sure the manager is used to it.'

However Ferguson may be used to it he still doesn't like it. He told MUTV. 'I don't know why they take on these meaningless friendlies when players are pulling out all the time, having a get-together is a good idea,'