Tuesday 22 November 2016 16:40, UK
Chris Kirkland says the Football Association should look no further than Gareth Southgate in its search for a successor to Sam Allardyce.
Southgate is favourite for the England manager's job following a period in caretaker charge during which the national side remained unbeaten after four matches.
Former Liverpool and Wigan keeper Kirkland, who played once for England and figured in a number of squads alongside Southgate, is convinced the governing body already has the ideal man for the job.
Speaking to Sky Sports News HQ, he said: "The way he has conducted himself over the last few weeks - on and off the pitch - has been superb.
"And, for me, the FA has to give him the job. It makes a mockery of the whole system if they don't. He has been Under-21 manager and that is the whole thing about progression.
"He has stepped up these last four games, is unbeaten and has played some good football.
"So he has to get the job. He has proved himself. Everyone says you should go for more experience but we have been down that route before and it has not panned out.
"I don't see what else he can do. If he doesn't get the job it just makes it a bit of a laughing stock."
Former Middlesbrough boss Southgate was interviewed by a five-man FA panel on Monday and is expected to be offered the position in the coming week.
Last week, FA chief executive Martin Glenn admitted Southgate was in a "strong position" but refused to rule out the possibility of interviewing other candidates during what he says is an "ongoing process".
Sky sources understand the process is "going fine" and that the FA will not be rushed into a decision until it is 100% certain of its appointment.
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