Stockport County signing Phil Bardsley has revealed Sir Alex Ferguson rates highly two Scottish fullbacks.

Former Manchester United defender Bardsley played for Sir Alex at Old Trafford and has just signed for Stockport in the past week.

He told the Scottish Sun: "(Nathan) Patterson is excellent. I was talking to Sir Alex about him at Michael Carrick's Golf Day and he really likes the look of him.

“I've seen a bit of him, he looks bright and sharp. I've not seen as much of Aaron Hickey, but it's great to see two young players battling it out for the jersey.

“You need that because it's healthy for the squad. They are both very good, talented youngsters."

Patterson left Rangers for Everton last January, while Hickey was signed by Brentford from Bologna over the summer.