Blackpool boss Ian Holloway has admitted Angel Martinez's recent form has made it impossible for him to leave the Spaniard out of his team.
Martinez, 26, has started the Seasiders' last six games, coinciding with an unbeaten run that has booked their place in the Championship play-offs.
And Holloway is full of praise for the midfielder, who has acclimatised to life in England following injury problems in recent years.
"At the moment Ludo Sylvestre does not, in my opinion, deserve to not play," said the Tangerines boss. "Yet I can't really leave Martinez out. He kept Barry Ferguson out the other week.
"For me to say that someone like that would keep out Barry Ferguson and is playing well enough to be first name on the team sheet is full credit to him.
"He knew no English before he came and now he's having some fun. He's learning it, his family are enjoying it. He's a terrific footballer so I'm delighted for him. He's a lovely lad."
