Burton’s Phil Edwards picks the best XI he has played with and against

PHIL EDWARDS – The Burton defender chooses his favourite XI, made up from players he has played with or against in his football career.

GOALKEEPERI

Rob Elliot – Newcastle United We had him on loan from Charlton when I was at Accrington and he was outstanding. He had a great kick on him, he was really commanding in the box and was a great shot-stopper as well. Now he’s moved on to Newcastle so he’s doing well for himself.

RIGHT BACKI

Lawrie Wilson – Charlton I played with Lawrie at Stevenage. He has bags of pace and energy, he got up and down the right well and he was an exciting player going forward but he was also a good defender as well.

LEFT BACKI

Joe Jacobson – Shrewsbury I was with Joe at Accrington. He’s got a great left foot, he’s a really solid player and you know what you are going to get from him every week, which is just what you want from a fullback.

CENTRE BACKI

Shane CansdellSherriff – Burton (on loan from Preston) Shane’s a quality player, he reads the game really well. He is very commanding and good in the air – two valuable attributes for a centre back. He probably doesn’t score enough goals considering how good he is in the air – that might annoy him so put it in!

CENTRE BACKI

Ian Sharps – Burton A very good, experienced defender who is an outstanding leader. He had a great partnership with Shane at Shrewsbury and I think they’d work well in this team – they do for Burton anyway.

RIGHT MIDFIELDI

Gary Roberts – Chesterfield I’ll play him on the right so he can cut in onto his left. I played with him at Accrington and he’s a great all-round player. He’s got a bag of tricks and you never know what he’s going to do next. He should be playing higher than League Two.

CENTRALI MIDFIELDII

Michael Bostwick – Peterborough I played with him at Stevenage and he was a very solid player. He covers a lot ground, he’s a tough tackler, he’s got a great strike on him and he got a few goals for us. It’s the perfect mix really of what you’d want from a central midfield player.

CENTRALI MIDFIELDI

Ian Craney – Stockport County He was unbelievable for us at Accrington and he scored some amazing goals before he eventually got his big move to Swansea – a few years ago now mind! He was a great player to have in the dressing room as well. He never shuts up and always joins in with the banter.

LEFT MIDFIELDI

Adam Johnson – Sunderland About 10 years ago I played in a reserve game for Wigan against him when he was a teenager and he tore me to shreds. It was an eye-opener playing against him and it’s been no surprise to see him go on to the highest level.

STRIKERI

Robbie Fowler – Retired In another reserve game for Wigan we played against Manchester City when Fowler was there and he showed his class and scored a little dink over the keeper. I’m an Everton fan so I was trying to kick him, but I couldn’t get near him unfortunately.

STRIKERI

Michael Symes – Burton He’s a strong lad who can hold the ball up and he links the play well. I also played with him at Accrington and he’s had a few injuries recently but on his day he is a quality player. If he stays fit he can make the difference, no doubt about that.