Brown mounts case for the defence

A cornerstone of the Manchester United FC team which tasted UEFA Champions League glory in 2007/08, supplying the cross for Cristiano Ronaldo's opener in the epic final against Chelsea FC in Moscow, Wes Brown's career has been blighted by injuries ever since.

'One of the best'
Recurring ankle problems restricted him to just 13 club appearances last season – compared to 36 in the Premier League alone in the previous campaign – yet the England defender is returning to form and fitness at a key period for Sir Alex Ferguson's side. "When he's fit he's one of the best defenders in the country," said the United manager on the eve of the penultimate Group B game against Beşiktaş JK.

Injury troubles
"The more games you play [after injury] the better you become and hopefully that's happening now with me," added the versatile defender, who has made two appearances in this season's competition to help United into the first knockout round after only four matches. "I've been injured on many occasions, so I'm always used to coming back and getting back into the team. This is the only club I've ever wanted to play for and I'm happy doing that for the rest of my career."

'Great trust'
Now 30, as a product of United's youth system Brown also revealed his role in helping younger players overcome similar injury travails. "I tell them to listen to the physios, to do all you can," said Brown, who has twice overcome torn cruciate knee ligaments and also a broken ankle. "Everything I've had I've always come back so I've got great trust in [the United medical staff]. I tell [the club's younger players] to believe in themselves, work hard and you'll be back one day."

Invaluable experience
In the absence of Owen Hargreaves, Rio Ferdinand, Jonny Evans and John O'Shea, a number of younger players could be included as the Turkish champions visit Old Trafford, where Brown's know-how will again prove useful. "We're delighted he's back and we know the experience he can bring to the back four," said Sir Alex. "Even though we've got four back-four players missing, with Wes and [Nemanja] Vidić in central defence we can feel quite comfortable."