“I think in the last couple of years the manager has spoken publicly about a period of transition. It was going to take time for the younger players to mature and for us to develop as a team.
“Since last January we have seen the result of that. There was no doubt it was going to come back to a better level for us because we are good players.
“But what we are seeing now is the players performing at their capabilities.”
However he warns that the league is a long way off.
“We are happy with the form going into this new year but we have to perform for another year." He continued.
“I know full well that, with 15 games to go, in the space of a week we could be 12 points clear or we could have our lead wiped away. We have got difficult games ahead. We play Arsenal a week on Sunday and we have to go to
“But this situation is something that should be enjoyed — we certainly do not fear it. We are confident of the way we are playing.
“And we have got a determination to do something because for the past two or three years we have not achieved what we would have liked to have achieved.”
The chance of picking up silverware is still exciting is keeping Neville excited.
He said: “We have difficult tasks ahead but what an exciting time for us too.
“That is part and parcel of playing for this club and we have to enjoy this moment because for the past two years we have not experienced this. That is not good enough because we expect to be involved in these things.”
“We've been on the end of three very good teams — an Arsenal team that didn't lose a game and two
“You have to respect the fact it is not always your turn. We try and do something about it and hopefully we will.”