Sylvan saddled with name

Thoroughbred Wolves striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake today revealed how his racing-loving father saddled him with his unusual Christian name – after backing a winner called Sylvan.

The Molineux hitman says he now likes his unique moniker, even though he got it in strange circumstances.

He said: "My dad Maurice chose my name. I think he backed a horse that won close to when I was born. He named me after that.

"Look, Sylvan's not bad. It could have been a lot worse."

The 22-year-old is firmly established as a favourite at Wolves, having claimed the Championship golden boot last season with his goals for Plymouth and the Molineux club.

He has hit five goals already this season, forming a potent-looking new partnership with summer signing Chris Iwelumo.

It is now two years since he quit Old Trafford to link up with Plymouth, where he made his name, but he still believes his time under Sir Alex Ferguson still has a big influence on his career.

He said: "United are the best club in the world. To play at that club at any level you have to be doing something very good.

"The facilities are top class, you're around the best of the best. Everyone is focused on it. When you're a young player, all you want to do is come through the system like Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs, who you are around every day, and become a part of that.

"Sir Alex Ferguson said to me: 'In three years you'll be a very good player. Unfortunately, I haven't got time here but Plymouth is a great opportunity for you to play football'.

"The biggest compliment was that he put a buy-back clause in the deal. I never felt I failed at United. People will say you are taking a step down, but the move was on a par, because I was playing at a very good level in games that mattered, after coming from reserve team football."