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Famous former Premier League duo John Arne Riise and Florent Malouda reckon Adil Nabi has what it takes to make it in England's top flight after watching him shine for Delhi Dynamos.

Nabi, a West Brom academy graduate, is on loan to Delhi until the Indian Super League season finishes later this month.

The 21-year-old Birmingham-born attacker grabbed his third goal in nine appearances as Delhi were beaten 3-2 yesterday by league leaders Goa.

Riise, a Champions League and FA Cup winner with Liverpool, and Malouda, who lifted the Champions League and Premier League at Chelsea,believe Nabi is ready to break into Tony Pulis' first team squad having seen him at close quarters with Delhi.

"Adil is a good technical striker," said Riise, who made 339 appearances during his seven seasons at Anfield.

"He's a great finisher and as his confidence and fitness builds he'll go on to be very good.

"He's very young, but he was voted West Brom's best young player last year.

"He's got some amazing skills and he's going to be a top, top player."

Malouda, a World Cup runner-up with France in 2006, also offered Nabi a glowing reference to Mr Pulis.

"I think Nabi has a bright future in the game in England," said the 35-year-old, who won 80 caps for his country.

"He's a good young player with a lot of skill. He has quick feet and is very good in front of goal.

"When I was at Chelsea I saw many young players going on short-term loans to develop as footballers because they don't have opportunities to play first-team football at their club.

"You have to be patient and keep working hard. This is a different kind of opportunity for him.

"It's something new because I have never seen a player go on loan to India but if he is successful with Delhi maybe it will open a pathway for new players and convince other young footballers to come here."

Despite yesterday's defeat, Delhi, coached by Brazilian former World Cup winner Roberto Carlos, still finished fourth to qualify for the championship play-off.

It means Nabi and co know face Goa again in a two-legged semi-final.

The first leg at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi is on Friday with the return to be played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, Goa, on Tuesday, December 15.

The winner will face Chennaiyin FC or reigning champions Atlético de Kolkata in the final at an as yet unconfirmed neutral venue on Sunday, December 20.