Manchester United legends Ryan Giggs and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer have reserved special praise for Northern Ireland defender Johnny Evans as he continues to impress at Old Trafford.

The 21-year-old is quickly maturing into one of the finest young centre-backs in European football with a number of top-class diplays in the continuing absence of England star Rio Ferdinand through injury.

Evans impressed last term as he clocked up over 30 appearances in a campaign that saw United win the Premier League title and Carling Cup, as well as reach their second consecutive UEFA Champions League final.

His displays have gone someway to justifying Sir Alex Ferguson's decision to sell Gerard Pique back to Barcelona for £6million back in 2008, although admittedly the Spaniard has also thrived at the Camp Nou during that time.

Giggs, the most decorated player in United's history having won 11 league titles and racked up more than 850 appearances for the club, is convinced Evans has a glittering future in the game.

"The performances he has put in, he looks as though he has played there 10 years," said the Welsh veteran.

"He has come into a team that has a centre-half partnership of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.

"If one of them is not playing and Jonny comes in, to say you don't miss one of those players, is a great compliment to him and it is true as well."

And reserve team coach Solskjaer, who spent 11 years as a player with United, does not think Evans will get big-headed despiute all the plaudits coming his way.

"He is a great lad who has come through the ranks and the system," said Norwegian.

"He realises that when you go into the first team you don't suddenly change your character. He knows where he comes from."