'Freak of nature' Paul Green will influence Boston United teammates on and off pitch

Craig Elliott has labelled Boston United midfielder Paul Green a 'freak of nature'

The former Republic of Ireland international - who has signed a new deal to remain with the Pilgrims - turns 38 on Saturday.

While many players his age have long since hung up their boots, the spreadsheets prove Green is not just going through the motions.

"He's a freak of nature. We've got stats for every game and some of his running distances and sprint distances were double that of other players in the squad, which is amazing," Elliott told The Standard.

"It's not a shock. He plays to the levels he does at his age because he acts like a top professional. That's what I hope for the rest of the squad as well.

"I think he's still got a big part to play, he was very influential in a lot of the games he played last season.

"As a manager, in training, I have to tell him to calm down a bit. His enthusiasm is there to see - and the quality as well."

While Elliott hopes Green can lead by example physically, the former Leeds United and Derby County midfielder could also have a calming influence on the team's mentality.

"When you come to big games it's important to have his experience," the manager said of Green, who has won promotions with Doncaster Rovers and Crewe Alexandra.

"When you're playing in front of crowds as well, when things aren't going well, we need people like that to calm us down.

"The big thing for me is I know him well. I can trust him and he sets such good examples around the place."

Green made 10 starts and five appearances off the bench last season.

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