Davids backs Scholes

Edgar Davids has leapt to the defence of under-fire Man Utd star Paul Scholes.

Former England international Scholes has come in for criticism this term, with the level of his displays being below his normal consistent best.

Scholes has failed to find the net this term and he did his cause little good in midweek when dismissed in the UEFA Champions League draw with Lille at Old Trafford.

Some have suggested Scholes' star is on the wane, but Davids feels he is still among the cream of the world's midfielders.

"Paul Scholes is underestimated," Davids told Sky Sports News. "He has proved over the years that he is in the world's top ten, he can do everything.

"I have not seen a lot of his games (this season), but it is only human, you are not in top form all the time and he has proved in the previous seasons that he is a top class player."

Davids has adapted well to life in The Premiership and he could get the chance to pit his wits against Scholes on Saturday, as Spurs travel to Old Trafford.

The Dutch midfielder says he is enjoying the challenge of playing in England's top flight.

"It is competitive, it is hard, but the challenge is there and I like it," declared Davids. "It is not just the physical challenge, the mental pressure is also hard."

Spurs head to Old Trafford in second place and Davids feels Martin Jol's side need to show they can be a consistent force in The Premiership.

"I knew that there was a lot of talent and it is now coming out," he stressed. "But now we have to stay consistent so we can stay near the top.

"If we can end higher than we did last year, it will be a success."