Tony Pulis has paid tribute to Martin O'Neill for reviving Sunderland's fortunes and backed him as a 'fantastic' candidate for the England job.
Stoke manager impressed by Northern Irishman
Stoke manager Tony Pulis has paid tribute to Martin O'Neill for reviving Sunderland's fortunes and backed him as a 'fantastic' candidate for the England job.
Former Leicester, Celtic and Aston Villa boss O'Neill has had a major impact at the Stadium of Light since his appointment in December, the Northern Irishman taking a Black Cats team that was hovering just above the Premier League relegation zone into the top half of the table.
Wednesday's 3-0 win over Norwich made it 19 points from the last 27 on offer for the Wearsiders and saw them move into eighth place, leapfrogging Stoke, who they play at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday.
Pulis is certainly anticipating a stern test for his side and regards O'Neill as somebody who could do a good job with England after Fabio Capello stands down this summer.
"Just look at their (Sunderland's) form - I think they are the form team in the Premier League," Pulis said.
"I went up and watched them on Wednesday night and they are winning, they have got loads of confidence and Martin has got them really going. It is going to be as tough a game as we have had at the Britannia this year.
"It is not just the last few games he has managed at Sunderland. If you look at what Martin has achieved over his career as a manager, it has been exceptional.
"This is not just a coincidence - the record says that he is a top, top manager, because he gets results.
"If England are looking for a British manager next time around, if it is not going to be (Tottenham boss) Harry Redknapp then Martin would be a fantastic choice."
History
These are also heady times for Stoke, who have what Pulis describes as a 'massive month' ahead of them, with an FA Cup fifth round trip to Crawley and both legs of their Europa League last-32 tie against Valencia to come on top of their league fixtures before the end of February.
Asked if he was facing the most challenging period of his managerial career, Pulis said: "Yes, and I think it will be one of the great moments, if we achieve success, that this football club has been through in its' history.
"To be in the position we are in at the moment - still challenging in Europe, in the fifth round of the FA Cup for the third year running and in the top 10 of the Premier League - means the next month is massive.
"We need everyone to be galvanised, especially the supporters. We hope we get their support like never before - and that is difficult, because they have been top drawer for us over the past four or five years."
