PHIL Gilchrist picked out his fellow Oxford United centre back Matt Elliott as the best defensive partner he's had in nearly 20 years in the game.

Elliott and Gilchrist proved a superb combination for the U's in the 90s, and was the rock on which their promotion to Division 1 in 1996 was based.

The two defenders then played together with great success at Leicester City, the left-footed Gilchrist's speed and reading of the game perfectly complementing the right-footed Elliott's commanding presence and power.

Gilly said last night, following the announcement of his retirement: "I think Matty was probably the best centre half I ever played with, and obviously the partnership we had here was clear for everyone to see.

"But then there were achievements at West Brom, when I had other partners and where we played very well. I've been lucky, I've played with some great players, and I've made some good friends along the way."

Asked which highlights he would pick out, Gilly responded: "My whole career has been a highlight.

"I had two promotions at West Brom, I've got winning the Worthington Cup at Leicester, winning promotions at other clubs - Oxford, Hartlepool . . . everything really. The highlight of playing over 500 first-team games, which is a bit of a milestone, I think, for footballers.

"I can go away knowing I've achieved that, but more important is just the enjoyment I've had over 20 years of playing."