Warnock hails Blackburn Rovers' 'golden oldie' Tugay

10:33am Wednesday 1st October 2008

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By Andy Cryer »

STEPHEN Warnock has hailed Rovers’ pass-master Tugay as ‘an inspiration’.

The former Liverpool defender has formed a formidable, if unlikely, midfield partnership with 38-year-old Tugay to steer Rovers to impressive wins over Everton and Newcastle.

Warnock admits he has always been an admirer of the cultured midfielder but reveals the last couple of games have only enhanced Tugay’s importance to the Lancashire outfit.

The ex-Galatasaray and Glasgow Rangers man looked in danger of beco-ming Rovers’ forgotten man after playing just one minute of their first four Premier League games.

But, an impressive cameo from the bench in the 1-0 home win over Fulham earned him his chance and he has not looked back since with starring roles in the last two victories.

With the likes of Vince Grella, Keith Andrews, Steven Reid and Aaron Mokoena all waiting in the wings, Ince faces some tough midfield decisions in the future but, for the moment, Warnock is just relishing learning from the ‘master’.

He said: “Tugay makes it very easy for you. I try and win the ball back, give it to Tugay and, as he showed again on Saturday, he creates things and is really fantastic.

“He is incredible. I always looked at him before he came to the club and thought what a fantastic player he is.

"I have been lucky enough to play with him for the past two games and he is even better when you play alongside him.

“Even though I have played at left back and he has been in the same team, you only realise how immense he is when you play next to him.”

Since arriving at Ewood Park in 2001 from Ibrox, Tugay has made more than 200 appearances and Warnock sees no reason why he can’t add a few more yet before calling it a day.

“Tugay is very fit,” he said. “People think he is not what he was a few years ago, I think people will realise that is not true after watching the last couple of games.

“I think he is immense. He will probably be the first to admit he will struggle to play three games in a week but he is fitter than he lets on. He is a fit boy.

“The way he talks and his calmness is fantastic. It sort of flows throughout the team. Players get a bit of that and he calms everyone down.”

Manager Ince was again wholesome in his praise of the midfield pairing at St James, having singled the duo out in midweek as well, but warns Tugay has to be handled with caution.

He said: “Tugay was outstanding again. At his age he should be tucked up indoors and watching TV.

“We have to be careful with him though. He was different class and I thought him and Steve Warnock worked well together.

“We also have other players in that position though and that shows the spirit and togetherness we have got here.”