TONY Pulis believes the new England manager should be Harry Redknapp ... or Martin O'Neill.

Redknapp remains the nation's favourite to take over from Fabio Capello after this summer's European Championships.

But Pulis, despite being big mates with Redknapp, says O'Neill is also a worthy contender for the top job.

"People talk about Harry being the next England manager," said Pulis, "but I've said before that there are two candidates.

"For me, it's Harry or Martin O'Neill.

"I don't know if Martin would want the job, or if England would want him, but he's a special manager in my book."

O'Neill, main picture, has certainly put his name back in the frame – particularly if the FA run shy of Redknapp following his on-going court case for alleged tax evasion.

O'Neill arrives in the Potteries tomorrow on the crest of a wave after returning with a bang from 16 months of managerial exile following his walk out from Aston Villa.

Sunderland have taken 19 points from a possible 27 under O'Neill – having taken just five from the previous 27 under Steve Bruce.

"He has gone in there and turned it around almost straight away," said Pulis. "He's done brilliantly.

"Martin has got that way about him and gets the best out of his players.

"To get the best out of players week-in, week-out is what makes you a top, top manager."

Pulis spied on the new Sunderland on Wednesday evening when he was suitably impressed by their 3-0 demolition of Norwich at the Stadium of Light.

He saw for himself how O'Neill has unleashed a new Premier League beast in the shape of 21-year-old powerhouse James McLean.

The young Ulsterman was handed his senior debut in O'Neill's first match in charge – the dramatic home win over Blackburn on December 11 – and he has since featured in all but one of Sunderland's league fixtures.

Even more dramatic has been the inspirational return of striker Fraizer Campbell from a crippling injury lay-off dating back to August 2010.

He stepped off the bench to score against Middlesbrough in his first match back last Sunday.

Then against Norwich, in his first start for nearly 18 months, he dipped a long-range beauty across the goalkeeper and into the far corner from nigh on 30 yards out.

"They were very impressive on the night," Pulis reported, "and are clearly playing with a lot of confidence after so many good results since Martin took over.

"Believe me, they will be a huge challenge for us at our place this weekend."

Stoke can take some comfort from a home record that reads played three won three against Sunderland in the Premier League.

Roy Keane and Steve Bruce have already bitten the dust as Sunderland managers at the Britannia, but adding O'Neill to that list tomorrow could prove rather harder.