MANCHESTER City legend Bert Trautmann has hailed Peter Schmeichel as being the best goalkeeper in the world during the past decade.

When it comes to making such a statement, there are few people as well qualified as Trautmann.

During a 15-year spell at Maine Road, the German etched his name into folklore when playing through the 1956 FA Cup final with a broken neck.

But while City supporters still marvel at that extraordinary feat at Wembley, it is sometimes forgotten he was named Footballer of the Year in that season, becoming the first foreigner to do so. He went on to play more than 500 games for the club.

Schmeichel, too, has enjoyed great success, winning almost all the game's top prizes, as well 128 caps for Denmark.

Though he is entering the twilight of his career, the 38-year-old is still a hugely influential figure.

And this comes as no surprise to a man whom during his pomp Sir Bobby Charlton described as the best stopper on the planet.

Oustanding

"I have always thought Peter was a tremendous goalkeeper," said Trautmann, who has been flown over by club sponsors First Advice from his home in Spain to watch today's Derby.

"I knew how good he was when he was with Manchester United and then I used to watch him play on television while he was at Sporting Lisbon.

In any field of sport, whether it is golf, football or rugby, you know the outstanding performers.

"Peter was - and is still is - one of those names. He brings calmness and confidence to the defence, which every goalkeeper should do and creates safety all over the pitch.

He is without doubt the most important man on the pitch."

With such an enormous physical presence, Schmeichel has developed a unique style of play that some modern keepers have tried to copy - but none have come close to matching.

However, Trautmann- who turns 80 next year- revealed his on-field mannerisms were not a million miles to those, which Schmeichel has employed so successfully through the years.

So, too, were the ear-bashings he would deliver to defenders.

"I would be thinking two or three moves ahead when I would go to meet a cross and if I didn't have anyone able to make a run for me, I would be absolutely furious," he recalled with a wry smile.

Heroic

"If I was forced to wait five seconds, all the attacking options would be covered and I would tell them so! As soon as I would hit the ground I'd be thinking of delivering the ball.

"I still haven't seen anyone who could catch as good as I could."

Trautmann's heroic performance against Birmingham City at Wembley nearly 50 years ago is still a topic that is discussed by present day Blues supporters, with many wondering how he actually carried on.

When asked whether he actually felt his injury, a curt reply cleared up all doubts as to whether the physio's magic sponge did actually work miracles.

"Of course it hurt!" he exclaimed. "When I first received the bang, I went unconscious and only remember receiving smelling salts and some cold water at first to bring me around.

"For the next ten minutes or so, all I could see was grey outlines. I didn't know who was on my team and only just managed to carry on.

"If I'd have known how bad my injury was, I would have come off. But I was Wembley and a special occasion and I never knew if I'd have had another chance to play there again."