Roy Keane hailed Ukrainian Oleksandr Zinchenko for playing during a 'difficult time'.
The Manchester City defender was named as captain for Tuesday's FA Cup tie against Peterborough.
And Keane was full of praise for the Ukrainian defender ahead of the game.
Appearing on ITV's FA Cup coverage, he said: "Whatever the player is going through must be very difficult with his family and friends at home.
"I think there has been great support shown to these players and I think it's a good game for him to come in because I think physically and mentally it's not a tough game for Man City if they turn up with the right attitude it's a game they should cruise through.
"Sometimes as a player when you're going through difficult spells to go out and play football."
And fellow pundit Joe Cole added: "You've seen the solidarity from the football community.
"It's a nice touch from Pep (Guardiola) Zinchenko is a top player anyway and he'll feel the love of his teammates and from the football community for him and his countrymen.
"Him playing tonight certainly doesn't weaken the team, he's a very good player and Roy is right, sometimes when you're going through stuff spells being on the pitch is the best place."
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
