SIR Alex Ferguson is the latest manager to sing Tugay's praises as the veteran Blackburn Rovers star continues to defy the ageing process.

The midfield maestro delivered another virtuoso performance in the 1-0 defeat to Manchester United last week, which prompted Mark Hughes to hail him as the best player amongst a galaxy of stars'.

However, Hughes wasn't the only man drooling over the 36-year-old's talents - Fergie also admitted to being blown away by the former Galatasaray star, too.

Hughes revealed: "I spoke to Sir Alex after the game last week and he commented on what a good player Tugay is.

"I told him if he was ten years younger he'd be playing for United, and Sir Alex agreed!

"He's an exceptional player and, given his ability, he could play for anyone in the Premiership, or even the world for that matter."

Although in the twilight of his career, Tugay remains a talisman for Rovers.

He firmly believes he can play on at this level until he's 40, and Hughes doesn't disagree.

""Given his performances this year, I wouldn't doubt him on that," said the Rovers boss.

"Given his position and where he plays, it might be a possibility.

"He has a real love of the game, he still enjoys coming in to work every day, and he has a great enthusiasm for the game.

"Once you lose that, you retire, and he shows no sign of losing that yet.

"At times, I'll try and take him out of the frame to protect him, but we haven't really been able to do that lately (because of injuries).

"But he keeps stepping up to the mark and he's been excellent."

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