‘Greatest’ lying in wait for Phil Bardsley

Oct 2 2009 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

SUNDERLAND’S only recognised right-back will be fit to face his old club Manchester United tomorrow, and Phil Bardsley’s return could scarcely be better timed as the Black Cats prepare to contain the man Steve Bruce rates as the greatest Premier League player ever.

Having played a full 90 minutes on Wednesday, Ryan Giggs may be excused Saturday’s televised game against Sunderland. But such is the 35-year-old’s form and fitness, it would not be a major surprise if Bardsley found himself marking his old team-mate at Old Trafford.

The Mancunian missed Sunday’s 5-2 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers with sickness but seems certain to return tomorrow.

The Wearsiders’ defence was again unconvincing last week and may anyway have a change forced on it by the calf injury John Mensah picked up in training on Wednesday.

Mensah played in the heart of the back four against Wolves, but Bardsley’s return would allow Paulo Da Silva to move in from right-back, where he looked uncomfortable – assuming he does not lose his place altogether to Anton Ferdinand.

Having been a Red Devils team-mate of Giggs and faced him numerous times in training, Bardsley needs little warning of the Welshman’s threat, but Bruce regards English football’s most decorated player as one of its most natural talents – something he learned 20 years ago.

“He started in 1991 and where are we now, 2009? Jesus,” said Bruce, another former Manchester United defender. “He has to be the greatest ever player to have played

in the Premier League. Not just because of his longevity but because he is playing for Manchester United and still getting man of the match awards. For me he is their best player, at his age as well. He is blessed with that wonderful ability which gets people off their backsides.

“He’s such a natural dribbler, it is just effortless for him. He is just a great, great player. That word is used too often but if there was a poll of the greatest Premier League players I would think Ryan would be well up there.