Tommy Docherty has compared Sir Tom Finney to Barcelona forward Lionel Messi after the former Preston North End and England legend passed away on Friday.

Finney scored 210 goals in a 14-year stint with Preston and 30 in 76 England appearances.

Docherty, who played with Finney between 1949 and 1958, told BBC Sport: "He was the best player I've ever seen, alongside Lionel Messi.

"I watch a lot of Barcelona and when I watch Messi, I close my eyes and can see Tom. I'm serious when I say that Messi is the Tom Finney of today.

"Just like Finney, Messi is always getting fouled, but doesn't complain and just gets up and gets on with the game."

Finney has had a stand named after him at Deepdale since 1995 and was honoured with a statue outside the stadium in 2004.

Written by
Benjamin Topliss