Alan Knill believes Eddie Nolan is a shining example of 'a modern day full-back' after watching the Irishman further his glowing reputation with a man-of-the-match performance at the weekend.

Nolan was impressive in both defence and attack, setting up two goals for Damien Mozika, as the Iron ended their lengthy search for a first league win of the season with victory over Yeovil Town.

With wingers including Andy Barcham, Jimmy Ryan and Mark Duffy all sidelined for the visit of the Glovers, the former Blackburn Rovers trainee was Scunthorpe's main source of width with some strong runs down the left flank.

And Knill says United will do all they can to ensure the versatile defender continues to flourish in the fashion he has done so far this term.

"Every day he is just like he was on Saturday," enthused the Iron boss.

"Every now and again there'll be a mistake, but he is a modern day full-back.

"All we do is encourage him to go and play because he's so talented.

"Every now and again he doubts himself and we have to have a strong word with him about his ability and how much we value it.

"But then he'll turn in a performance, as he has done nearly every week, and we're delighted with him.

"The longer it continues, that's how to have a career."

Knill believes Nolan has made massive strides in application and attitude in the six months he has been in charge at Glanford Park.

He started only twice in the former Bury manager's eight games at the helm last term, but is one of only three Scunthorpe players to have begun every match during the current campaign.

"He's a top player," Knill continued on the subject of Nolan, whose current Iron deal expires at the end of the season.

"When I walked in at the start of April, everybody said this and that to me about Eddie.

"We'd seen him before, but he just didn't look like anything I expected.

"He was short of fitness and didn't really push himself in training, so he didn't play for us.

"The crowd seemed to have a bit of a downer on him as well.

"But we sat him down at the end of last season and told him what to do at home and he came back fit.

"In there is a really good player and I'm delighted for him."