Taylor praises City star

Players' chief Gordon Taylor claims Manchester City playmaker David Silva has proved himself one of the greatest players in the world.

The Spaniard's outstanding form, particularly in the first half of the campaign, has earned him a nomination for the Professional Footballers' Association Players' Player of the Year award. PFA chief executive Taylor said: "He is a playmaker, a magician - and I think some of his team-mates call him Merlin. "He is a delight to watch. He is really top quality and makes the team tick. "His skills, you liken them to some of the finest players in the world because they are silky skills. He is a delight on the eye."