Harry Redknapp praises PNE

Josh Earl challenges Birmingham's Jacques Maghoma

Redknapp was sacked by the Blues less than two hours after PNE's 3-1 win at St Andrews last Saturday.

Second-half goals from Daniel Johnson, Jordan Hugill and Tom Barkhuizen gave them victory after Birmingham had taken a first-half lead through Maxime Colin.

As well as praising North End's young team in general during an interview on Talksport radio, Redknapp singled-out teenager Josh Earl for special mention.

Harry Redknapp during his final game in charge of Birmingham

Redknapp said: "Preston are a very good team, I think Preston have some fantastic young players.

"They have a young left-back, 18-years-old, who Preston are going to do very well to hang on to in the next couple of years.

"He was different class."

Over the last two years, a number of managers and head coaches have lost their jobs within a short time of games against North End.

Five went in the 2015/16 season, including Neil Lennon (Bolton) and Steve Cotterill (Bristol City).

Last season, Roberto Di Matteo was sacked by Aston Villa less than 48 hours after a 2-0 defeat to PNE at Deepdale.