If any man is fit to lead England to the 2002 World Cup finals in the wake of Kevin Keegan's resignation, then it is caretaker boss Howard Wilkinson.

That is the view of Wilkinson's former right-hand man, Mick Hennigan, who last month took over the reins at UniBond league division one strugglers Harrogate Town.

Wilkinson was keeping his own counsel about the England job after Wednesday's 0-0 draw in Finland, but his old colleague is certain he has got what it takes to lead the national team back to the top.

Hennigan, who was number two at Leeds United when Wilkinson led the Whites to the old Division One title in 1992, believes Wilkinson has the know-how and integrity to fit the bill better than any other candidate.

Speaking to the Evening Press, Hennigan said: "He (Wilkinson) is the best man for the job and has been for a long time.

"In my opinion he should take it on and not worry about anybody else or the national media. He can hold his own in any company."

Hennigan was Wilkinson's assistant for eight years at Elland Road and was youth team coach for four seasons at Sheffield Wednesday while Wilkinson was in charge there.

He was also used as an international scout while his old ally was in charge of the England Under-21s, a job Wilkinson first did back in 1982 when Ron Greenwood was England boss and then again under Kevin Keegan's reign.

Having expressed a desire to take over as England boss in the past, Wilkinson - currently the FA's technical director is one of the favourites with the bookies to be given the job full-time.

And Hennigan, who is guiding Harrogate's rise up the UniBond League first division table, was quick to back his credentials.

"He has knowledge and integrity and is very hard working.

"As a tactician and in terms of football knowledge, he is second to none," he said.

Despite his long association with Wilkinson, Hennigan played down his own chances of becoming involved in the England set-up should the former get the nod from the FA.

Hennigan has pressing matters of his own tomorrow as Town entertain mid-table outfit Workington in the UniBond League first division at Wetherby Road (3pm).

Harrogate Town: from Hill, Atkinson, Hodson, Bairstow, McClean, Merris, Poole, Singh, Dunn, Featherstone, Roden, Allen, AN Other, SO Else.