Harper backs 'adaptive' Big Sam for England

Former Newcastle United and Sunderland goalkeeper Steve Harper has backed Sam Allardyce to succeed as England manager.

Allardyce is widely expected to be announced as Roy Hodgson's successor by the Football Association today.

Harper, 41, worked under Big Sam twice as a player with both Newcastle in 2007 and North East rivals Sunderland last season.

The former Mapgies keeper said he noticed a change in Allardyce at the Stadium of Light, with the 61-year-old being "calmer" and "more measured" than he was previously at St James' Park.

He told ITV News:

When asked if Allardyce would make a good England manager, Harper said:

Harper spent 20 years at Newcastle before being released by the club in 2013. He then joined Hull City on a one-year deal that summer and was given a new one-year contract the following season.

After leaving Hull in 2015, Harper spent the first-half of last season as a free agent before joining Sunderland on a short-term deal until the end of the campaign.

Harper is currently a free agent and is looking to continue his playing career at a new club.