New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton has heaped praise on Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles, ahead of the Wildcard Weekend matchup between the two sides.

Foles nailed down the starting spot with the Eagles following injury to Michael Vick halfway through the season, and the 24-year-old has not looked back, leading his side to the playoffs.

Payton has claimed that he is well aware of the threat that Foles poses, having seen the quarterback throw 27 passing touchdowns and just two interceptions in his 13 appearances this year.

He told reporters: "Nick is someone that is playing with a very good awareness, he's confident, gets rid of the ball. I think he is very accurate. When you start seeing the big plays they've had and the play action passing game, the screen game; I think he has done a great job of delivering and keeping receivers on the move with the accurate location as opposed to stopping him with a throw that maybe isn't located as well.

"I think you see all those things on film, his poise. I think that has been significant when you watch him. He's extremely accurate. He makes very good decisions in regards to not necessarily impulsive or discriminate throws in traffic. He knows where he is going with his progressions. I think he has done a great job."

The Saints travel to Philadelphia on Saturday having never won a road playoff game in their history.