Praise for Nando

The former team-mates at Real Madrid came face to face this afternoon when Morientes entered the fray as a second half subsitute. Hierro knew before the game he would be in for a difficult afternoon as he sang the praises of his friend.

"As far as I am concerned he is probably one of the best centre forwards in the world," said the former Real Madrid captain.

"He is extremely strong in aerial play and I am certain that when he has a little more experience behind him in the Premiership he will be triumphant and very successful.

"We have been very good friends for some time and when we were discussing the notion of moving to England to play we talked a lot then and we have remained very good friends."