THE BBC has signed up Phil Neville for this season's Match Of The Day despite his much-criticised performance in the commentary box at the World Cup.

The former Everton and Manchester United star is joining show veterans Alan Shearer, Robbie Savage and Danny Murphy alongside other newcomers Ruud Gullit and Rio Ferdinand.

Neville admitted working as a commentator was "harder" than he thought after hundreds of viewers complained about his on-air performance during the Brazil 2014 game between England and Italy.

Viewers criticised his "monotone" style during the game with several Twitter users joking that England physio Gary Lewin who was stretchered off after injuring his ankle had "fallen into a coma" listening to Neville.

BBC football executive Mark Cole said Neville, who is joining MotD after the retirement of show stalwart Alan Hansen, would provide "added tactical analysis".