LUKE Williams singled out defender Raphael Branco for special praise after he battled tooth and nail with what he considers one of the most fearsome opponents in League One on Saturday.

The big Brazilian has impressed in recent weeks, particularly in the absence of injured captain Nathan Thompson, and sporting the armband against Bolton Wanderers, he needed to be at his best to deal with the physicality of Trotters frontman Gary Madine.

Branco, who was sent off for an elbow in the reverse fixture at the County Ground in October, did threaten to irreparably blot his copybook when he appeared to catch former Sheffield Wednesday man Madine with a flailing arm in the first half, but he escaped punishment from referee Mark Heywood and was able to play a big part in his team taking all three points.

“I think, Raphael has covered himself in glory against – I would say – the most difficult player to play against in the air (in League One),” said Williams.

“The aerial threat from that guy is unrivalled, I think, and Raphael dealt with that so well.

“He defended the box incredibly and he started us off playing from the back “I think he’s in top form and I think he’s probably one of the most difficult centre-backs to play against, as much as Mr Madine is one of the most difficult strikers to play against.”

Williams was also impressed with the performance of striker Luke Norris, who despite not adding to his four goals this season, teed up Ben Gladwin’s equaliser as he produced another display full of purposeful endeavour.

Williams said: “Luke has worked tirelessly to get us up the pitch, he’s taken the knocks from the big guys at the back, he’s run to shut down full-backs and really gave everything, and he deserved to be on the winning team.”