Nigel Reo-Coker hailed Fabian Delph as a "talented and tenacious" ace after seeing him produce a man-of-the-match performance in the win over West Ham.

Reo-Coker is a big admirer of his former central midfield partner and believes "the world is his oyster" if he can keep clear of serious injury.

Reo-Coker thinks Delph's spirit on the field and humility off it will pay off in the coming weeks, months and years ahead.

He said: "Fabian is so talented. He has an abundance of ability. The world is his oyster.

"He has so much quality but I don't think people realise how much.

"I just hope he can stay injury-free because I know he's had his fair of problems over the past few years. I hope he can have a good run in the team.

"I hope he continues to mature too and get better and better.

"Off the pitch he's a fantastic, well-grounded lad. On the pitch I just love his tenacity. He has that old-school mentality about him.

"Football has changed so much now. It's hard to see players and say they have that old-school mentality and be able to stand next to them and think they have that ability to be a man - take a tackle, give a tackle and handle situations. Fabian is one of them."

Reo-Coker also sees a bright future for another pal Barry Bannan - his former boot-boy.

He added: "Barry has an abundance of ability too. He used to be my boot-boy! He was so respectful. He is now whenever I see him.

"He has so much talent. He reminds me of Paul Scholes. I hope he continues to develop."

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