FRENCH defender Sylvain Distin has been hailed as the new 'Phillipe Albert' by Manchester City boss Kevin Keegan.

The former Paris St. Germain player - who spent last season on loan at Newcastle before opting to join City - was on the receiving end of a chorus of boos at Maine Road on Saturday from the visiting supporters. But the Man. City manager hit back at Distin's critics and said the player was similar to Belgian Albert, who starred at the back for Newcastle under Keegan.

"Distin is a wonderful, wonderful athlete," said Keegan. "The only thing I can critisise him on is that he probably worked too hard.

"He wanted to be left wing, left full-back - he wanted to do everything, and to be fair he did it.

"The fans were shouting 'greedy' but I'll think you'll find there was a date (at Newcastle) when he could be offered an option and it never got offered.

"So the lad was completely within his rights to think they didn't want him.

"He reminds me a little bit of Phillipe Albert. He's probably a little bit better than Albert defensively.

"He's strong in the air but the finesse Albert had in bringing the ball out - I don't think I've seen anyone better than that so I think he's just a bit short of him on that."

Distin and Man. City were criticised at the time of his move to the north-west by Magpies' chairman Freddy Shepherd, who said Keegan was paying "silly money'' for the French defender.

But Distin himself was unfazed by the prospect of playing against his former teammates - and by the crowd's reaction.

The Frenchman was one of City's best players and his all action display saw him end up with a yellow card after a crunching challenge on Aaron Hughes.

Speaking about playing against the Magpies, Distin said: "It wasn't difficult.

"It was just a pleasure to play against old friends.

"I haven't felt any pressure since I left St James' Park so why should I feel any against so many familiar faces."

Distin also felt that Newcastle's French connection could prove a hit again this term, and United would again finish in the top four.

He added: "Laurent (Robert) was a key player last season and there's no doubt Newcastle miss him

"And for Olivier (Bernard) it is also a big season. He waited for his chance last season and I expect him to take full advantage now.

"Newcastle can be a top four club again but they can't expect to win every game."

l Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted he is not sure whether he will be able to turn to Rio Ferdinand to bolster his side's defence for their vital Champions League encounter next week.

He said: ''He'll certainly be fit for next Saturday but it's touch and go for Tuesday.''

Ferguson disclosed he is close to making at least one new signing to strengthen his defence before the transfer window shuts on August 31. United are reportedly due to hold another meeting with Rennes today over the projected £2m purchase of French U21 defender Julien Escude.

They are furthermore said to be in talks with Boca Juniors over 21-year-old full-back Nicolas Bordino, while the search has also been on for a back-up keeper.