Published Thursday, 09 February 2012
The 59-year-old Ulsterman, who has been touted as a possible candidate in the past, believes Tottenham boss Redknapp, who was cleared of tax evasion charges on Wednesday, is the man to succeed the Italian following his resignation last night.
Asked after his side's 2-1 FA Cup fourth round replay victory at Middlesbrough on Wednesday night if Redknapp would be his favourite, Sunderland boss O'Neill said: "Yes he would be.
"I think when Fabio was going to leave this summertime after the Euros anyway, that Harry would be favourite to take over.
"I think he should be and I think he deserves that opportunity as well. He should be the one.
"There has been a cry-out for an English manager now. His achievements at Tottenham in the last couple of years have been outstanding.
"He has got them through to the Champions League and they look as if they are going to get there again.
"He's done exceptionally well, and with the result today in the court case, that's no longer hanging over him and that will be a great relief to him."
Asked if he would like to be considered himself despite being a little more than two months into his job at the Stadium of Light, O'Neill said: "I have just said I think he [Redknapp] should be the one."
O'Neill's comments came hours after Capello's departure was announced, and the Irishman admitted he was saddened by the development.
He said: "I am really, really disappointed for him because he's earned the right to take the team trough to the finals. He got them there in the first place.
"He's a splendid manager, he's proven that over the years. I really am very, very disappointed for him, disappointed that it's come to that. I'm actually quite sad about it," he said.