Giggs backs Neville to shine as coach

Ryan Giggs thinks Gary Neville is an outstanding addition to the England coaching staff and has backed his former Manchester United team-mate to go on and become a top-class manager.

England manager Roy Hodgson sprung a surprise on Monday when he handed Neville a four-year contract as England coach.

The 37-year-old has no experience of coaching at club, let alone international level yet, but Giggs said: "I'm sure he'll be a success with England."

Neville was often the victim of abuse during his playing career, but the former Manchester United full-back has been a big hit as a Sky Sports pundit since announcing his retirement from football in February 2011.

His tactical acumen and passion has been widely praised during his spell on television, and Giggs continued: "He's obviously done well on the TV with his views and his outlook on football and he's got fresh ideas.

"He's played at the top himself, he's got so many positives and so many things he can bring to the table.

"I think management will be the next step for him. He knows what the modern day footballer wants and needs, which is important.

"No matter what he would have done he would have been a success because he's that sort of person. He's a force of nature.

"He's driven, very ambitious and he's very good at what he does.

"I did my coaching badges with him and he was very alert. He's very switched on and intelligent. And together with that he's been there and done it."