More praise for Bridge from Eriksson, Cooper and Advocaat

Holland's new boss, Dick Advocaat, admitted that he had been interested in signing Wayne Bridge for Rangers. Dick said: 'I knew he would be good. When I was at Glasgow I followed him closely. I liked him so much I wanted to buy him. Then I heard the price. Too expensive. But he is a good player.'

England manager Svenn Goran Eriksson was similarly full of praise for the star full back saying: 'He played very well,' confirmed Eriksson. 'He was not afraid to go forward. He put some good crosses in. He also defended very well. He got slightly injured just before half-time or else I would have played him for longer. 'It was a really good debut for him. It was a good test, and he came out of
the game with honour.'

Finally Saints scout and ex England and Leeds full back also had nothing but praise for Bridge's performance: 'He's the best defensive left-back in England,' said Cooper. 'Put it this way. I have never seen anyone go past him.'