HE managed him as a player and last night faced him as a manager.

And Harry Redknapp is sure that Brentford boss Martin Allen has what it takes to go right to the top.

Allen inspired his Division One team to take Saints down to the wire in the fifth-round FA Cup replay and his team is also pushing for a place in the League One play-offs.

Redknapp believes Allen can eventually become a Premiership manager.

"There are some good managers down in the lower divisions who will hopefully get a chance to manage in the Premiership," said the Saints boss.

"Martin Allen is a one-off, he's good on the game, he's enthusiastic and his team have done him proud.

"I'm sure he can be a top manager.

"We don't have to look abroad the whole time and hopefully they will get a chance to manage at the top level."

Brentford took the lead on four minutes last night through Eddie Hutchinson and posed real problems for Saints before eventually succumbing to the firepower of Peter Crouch and Kevin Phillips.

Redknapp knew his team had been given a stern test.

"They worked so hard and they played well," he said.

"We had two tough games with them, but I knew it would be tough.

"Brentford worked their socks off, they were excellent. Deon Burton held the ball up great for them, I signed him at Portsmouth and know what he can do.

"When he's on his game, he's an excellent player.

"They were always a threat, set-pieces they were strong and full of enthusiasm.

"Anyone who thought it would be easy with that pitch and an intimidating crowd is a fool.

"It was a real cup-tie. I expected it to be difficult and I'm pleased to survive it."