Sir Alex Ferguson has backed Sam Allardyce's expected appointment as England's next national manager.
The Manchester United great, speaking exclusively to Sky Sports News HQ, said Allardyce was the right man to take over from Roy Hodgson once the decision was made to appoint an Englishman.
Allardyce is expected to be confirmed as England's next manager on Thursday after a Football Association board meeting.
The Sunderland manager and Hull boss Steve Bruce emerged as favourites to replace Hodgson, who resigned after Euro 2016, after confirmation over the last week that they had been interviewed by the FA.
Ferguson previously said Allardyce's experience of the Premier League made him the stand-out candidate, although he conceded the FA faced a tough decision.
Speaking on Wednesday evening, Ferguson told Sky Sports News HQ: "He's got many years of club football behind him and the confidence and the reputation.
"He's certainly the top Englishman. You can search the world for a top manager but it was right to appoint an Englishman."
There was also support for Allardyce from Chelsea boss Antonio Conte, who was in charge of Italy until making the move to Stamford Bridge after Euro 2016.
Following Chelsea's 3-0 pre-season win over RZC Pellets, Conte said: "I know him, I visited him when he was training ground of West Ham two years ago. I am happy for him I he becomes the coach.
"I can say this experience is fantastic because you are the coach of your country. It's a great responsibility.
"You feel great pressure but it's fantastic because you know you represent your country and your colours. I am happy for him if Sam becomes the coach of the national team."
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