Chris Sutton raves about Preston boss Alex Neil amid Celtic links

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Preston North End are flying under Alex Neil in 2019.

Pundit Chris Sutton has hailed Preston North End boss Alex Neil whilst speaking on BBC Radio Five Live, with his side in blistering form in the Championship.

North End beat Birmingham City 1-0 on Saturday afternoon, grabbing a last-gasp winner through Sean Maguire to secure a vital home win at Deepdale.

That’s now 12 games unbeaten in the Championship, with eight wins in that run and a sensational record of six away wins in a row.

Having been bottom of the Championship table with five points after 10 games, Preston have now taken 52 points in their last 28 games to catapult themselves into the play-off mix.

Difficult games are on the horizon, but North End are now only outside of the top six on goal difference, with boss Neil deservedly attracting the plaudits.

With one of the lowest budgets in the division, Neil once again has Preston vying for a play-off place after finishing seventh last season, and at just 37, he’s one of the top young managers in Britain.

Unsurprisingly, Neil’s exploits have been recognised by other clubs, and the Daily Mail report that Celtic are interested in luring Neil to Parkhead as Brendan Rodgers’ replacement this summer.

Now, pundit Sutton – a former Celtic striker – has offered his take on Neil, praising him as a ‘good, young manager’, raving about the Scottish boss for his work at Preston whilst claiming he was harshly treated at Norwich City.

“I think it’s a testament to the job Alex Neil has done that they are actually in there fighting for a play-off place,” said Sutton. “I thought he was hard done by when he got the sack from Norwich. I really did, I didn’t think they gave him a long enough opportunity. He’s showing what a good, young manager he is,” he added.

Sutton would seemingly back Neil if he ended up at Celtic, and it would be little surprise to see him well in contention to rival Neil Lennon for the Bhoys job this summer.

For now though, it’s great to see Neil and Preston receive the plaudits they deserve. Neil calls the shots at Deepdale and has a talented, young squad at his disposal, presenting him with an ideal situation for the way he works – meaning it wouldn’t be out of the question for Neil to snub any interested parties this summer to continue his remarkable work at Deepdale.