Vincent Kompany excited by Robin van Persie battle

Manchester City defender Vincent Kompany has hailed Manchester United's Robin van Persie as a "great striker" ahead of Sunday's Manchester derby.

The Dutch forward has scored 13 goals in 19 appearances since arriving at Old Trafford during the summer, but Kompany is looking forward to the challenge of bringing a halt to Van Persie's scoring run.

Kompany told talkSPORT: "He's a great striker and I think, personally, I like nothing more than the challenge of playing against the best in the game.

"Van Persie definitely fits the bill."

City are currently three points behind United at the top of the Premier League table.