Wigan Athletic boss Steve Bruce says Ryan Taylor's ability from a dead-ball is better than his former Manchester United teammate David Beckham.

He said: "Ryan's set-piece delivery is as good as I have ever seen from anyone - and that includes a certain gentleman who now plays in America. To have someone in your team who can deliver set-pieces like him is a big weapon to have."

Bruce reckons Taylor has been key to Wigan's recent revival and is hoping for more of the same against Aston Villa today.

He believes the defender has the right attitude to go with his ability to carry on delivering the goods for him.

Bruce added: "There is a technique to taking free-kicks and you have to keep practising. Ryan definitely knows how to take one. He might not be as good looking as Becks but I have to say his set-piece deliveries are as good as his.

"He was out here in the rain on Christmas Day practising and practising. We had to tell him to come off the training pitch because he was doing too much. I think he has been the catalyst behind our recent improvement. He broke his leg in the final game of last season and needs to keep improving his fitness."