United's Neville ruled out of FA Cup final

LONDON, May 15 (Reuters) Manchester United have confirmed that captain Gary Neville will definitely miss Saturday's FA Cup final against Chelsea at Wembley.

The 32-year-old right back has been sidelined since March 17 with an ankle injury and despite hopes that he would return for the showpiece he has been ruled out.

''Gary Neville has undergone an exploratory operation on his right ankle and he will miss the FA Cup final,'' a statement on United's Web site said today.

While Neville's absence will be a blow to manager Alex Ferguson, he can at least call on Serbian centre half Nemanja Vidic who has recovered from a shoulder injury.

United are aiming to complete a domestic double after winning the league title for the 16th time.

REUTERS TB RK2320