Roy Keane hailed for the ‘little genius’ in glowing praise.

Roy Keane named the one ‘genius’ Premier League player he’s ‘glad’ he never had to play against during his career.

Keane enjoyed a legendary career at Manchester United, notably winning an impressive seven Premier League titles.

He came up against the best players of his era, including Patrick Vieira, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Zinedine Zidane, among others.

Keane, however, never had to play against David Silva, who had a stellar career in England’s top flight with Manchester City.

But the former Red Devils captain holds Silva in extremely high regards, calling him one of the best players to have ever play in the Premier League.

He even admitted that he was glad he never had to share a pitch with the Spanish maestro.

“I always think of the players over the last 10 or 20 years who have played in the Premiership,” he said.

“The top players – the Shearers, Henrys, Gerrards, Giggs. He’s up there with all those boys. Absolutely fantastic.”

David Silva enjoyed a stellar spell at Manchester City. Image: Getty

On Silva, Keane added: “It’s just a pity when you think of him today leaving on an empty stadium. You know, the City fans would have loved to give him a good send-off and I’m sure he’d come back and get one.

“Little genius. I look at players who’ve played over the last 10 years and I always think of when I’m retired about players I would have loved to have played against.

“But he’s one I’m glad I never was around to play against because I know he would’ve twisted me inside out. An absolute little genius.”

Silva spent 10 glorious seasons at Man City, winning four Premier League titles.

He played over 300 league games for the Blues before returning to Spain.

But he left behind an incredible legacy at the Etihad, having shone for Man City during his time at the club.