Ince hails golden oldie Tugay

12:10pm Friday 26th September 2008

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PAUL Ince insists ‘there is life in the old dogs yet’ after watching a couple of his senior players roll back the years at Ewood on Wednesday night.

Veteran pass-master Tugay and former Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler both played crucial roles in an impressive 1-0 Carling Cup win over Everton – with Ince predicting the duo will make a difference this campaign.

Turkish midfielder Tugay, 38, and 33-year-old Fowler lasted the 90 minutes to ease any fitness fears, with their experience proving crucial to an otherwise young side.

Boss Ince said: “You don’t lose it. The same way as Robbie Fowler won’t lose the ability to score, Tugay will never lose his passing ability.

“He won’t mind me saying, he is the grandad of the side but he is a fantastic player.

“A lot of things came through him and Stevie Warnock.

“Like myself, the older you get you want to play every game. Tugay is no different, he still has that enthusiasm that he had 10 years ago and he wants to play every game.”

Fowler is currently in Lancashire on a three-month pay-as-you-play deal but, after an encouraging Rovers’ debut, Ince is confident there is more to come.

He said: “Robbie was absolutely outstanding. A couple of the old men were different class.

“He has been chomping at the bit and felt as though he had a point to prove. I played him in a deeper role and he did ever so well.”