MANCHESTER - Paul Scholes could make a dramatic return to action for Manchester United against Tottenham in the FA Cup.
The 33-year-old midfielder is set to resume full training on Thursday after a knee operation.
Scholes last figured for United in October but could be in the squad for the cup tie at Old Trafford a week on Sunday if all goes well.
Assistant manager Carlos Queiroz said: "Paul might be back on Thursday if he gets the all clear from the medical staff.
"We are very pleased with the situation and maybe he can play in the FA Cup. It is a possibility he could be on the bench.
"I think he can start to smell he is coming back to the team."
Scholes has been involved up to now in light training and Queiroz said: "He has been like an 18-year-old boy with his attitude.
"It would be fantastic to have someone like him back in the squad."
While Gary Neville will sit out the match against Reading Saturday because of an ankle injury, United are to decide later today whether he will travel to Saudi Arabia on Monday for a testimonial.
The option for the England defender is to continue his recovery in the reserves next week.
However England midfielder Owen Hargreaves is available again after being sidelined with a rib injury.
Defender Wes Brown also comes into contention after sitting out the 6-0 victory over Newcastle because of suspension.
But Louis Saha is unlikely to be risked as he recovers from a knee problem.
Queiroz - who reiterated that United do not intend to make any additions to the squad this month - expects another tough game against Reading.
Steve Coppell's side secured a point at Old Trafford on the opening day of the season.
Since then Reading have been inconsistent but Queiroz said: "Steve Coppell is doing a very good job there.
"Reading are a team that never rests and they are very well organised.
"They also have players who can score goals like (Dave) Kitson and (Kevin) Doyle. They are both doing very well.
"It will be a difficult game for us but we would like to think we can perform as well as we did against Newcastle."
