BLackburn's Tugay is a true Premier League great, says Savage

The Derby midfielder, who returns to Blackburn with his new club today, has described Rovers' veteran playmaker as a living legend', having played alongside him for the best part of three years.

And if this afternoon's clash does turn out to be Tugay's final game at Ewood before he hangs up his boots at the end of the season, then Savage has urged Rovers to come up with a lasting tribute to one of the club's greatest ever servants.

The 33-year-old said: "Tugay's the best player I've ever played with, without a shadow of a doubt, and one of the best overseas players the Premier League has ever seen.

"I thought our partnership when I first came to Blackburn was one of the best in the league; he had all the ability and I had the legs!

"In my opinion, the guy is a legend and I think Mark Hughes will struggle to replace him when he finally hangs up his boots.

"I know players only get granted testimonials if they've spent 10 years at the same club, but I honestly think Tugay deserves a special game or something because he's had such an impact during his time at Blackburn.

"For me, he's a complete one-off - there's no other player in the Premier League quite like him.

"Chris Hutchings (who is the assistant manager at Derby) was talking about him the other day, and Mark Seagraves, another member of our coaching staff, chipped in and said he once went to a match just to watch Tugay play, because he's that good.

"If this is to be his last season then I know the Blackburn fans will really miss him because there is no-one else quite like him."

Due to turn 38 this summer, Tugay believes he can still play on for one more season at the highest level.

However, Rovers boss Mark Hughes has still to decide whether to offer him a 12-month extension to his contract, which is due to expire at the end of this season.

If Hughes decides against an extension then today's clash with Derby looks set to be Tugay's farewell appearance at Ewood.