Ruud praise for Sir Bobby

Last updated : 25 November 2002 By Martyn Elliott

Sir Bobby signed the diving Dutchman for PSV when he was still a raw 21-year-old and van Nistelrooy recognises the positive influence that the veteran manager has had on his career.

"I like Bobby so much I wish I didn't have to score against him,'' said the 25-year-old, after his hat-trick on Saturday.

"He has been really influential in my career. He passed on his passion, his desire for football and his vision for the game.

"It's amazing how he passes on fighting spirit and great feeling to the players. He did that to me and I'm very grateful for that.''

Nobody forced you to score Ruud, although to have missed any of those three may have looked a little suspect.