To hear that from one of the all-time best bosses was amazing

CHERRIES MIDFIELDER ALEX INSPIRED BY PEP'S PRAISE

- JOHN CROSS

BOURNEMOUTH midfielder Alex Scott still regards it as the ultimate compliment because of who it came from.

Pep Guardiola called Scott "an unbelievable player" after the 20-year-old stood out for Bristol City as they lost 3-0 to Manchester City in the FA Cup last season.

It is no surprise that the respect is very much mutual as Bournemouth prepare to face Guardiola's all-conquering City.

Scott said: "To hear that from who I regard as one of the best managers of all time, it was amazing.

"My mum enjoyed it probably even more than me! He didn't have to say that but to say it about an opposition player shows the respect he has and why he's gone so far.

"Guardiola was incredible at Barcelona, with that great team with Lionel Messi. I grew up with Guardiola as a manager.

"Xavi and Andres Iniesta. Messi doing his magic.

"He had brilliant midfielders at Bayern Munich with Thiago and now he's at Man City with Rodri, who, for me, is one of the best players in the Premier League."