Tim Sherwood: Has the strength of character to be successful at Tottenham, says Redknapp

Sherwood was installed as the North London club's head coach on Monday evening, 24 hours after guiding Spurs to a 3-2 victory away at Southampton in their first league game since sacking Andre Vilas-Boas.

And Redknapp, speaking live to Jim White on Sky Sports News on Christmas Day, says the 44-year-old has got the strength of character to be successful in the managerial hot-seat at White Hart Lane.

"He's got this season and next season so it's great for him and it's a big opportunity for Tim," Redknapp told Sky Sports News.

"He knows the game, he's a good coach, he's his own man, he'll do it his way and I'm sure he will do well there.

"He won't bring players in he doesn't want and he'll pick the players he does want to play. No-one will influence him, he's a strong character.

"I'm pleased that Tim has got that opportunity to go and do it at Tottenham - a young English manager getting an opportunity to manage at the top level is fantastic.

"Let's hope he makes a great success of it and that more will follow in the future."

"He's my surprise package of the year," Redknapp added. "I brought him back into football when he was out of the game, bringing him in to work with young players.

"He's been excellent. He played with me at Portsmouth and he's got a real good knowledge of the game - I wish him well."

Tottenham lie seventh in the Premier League table ahead of a busy round of matches during the festive period. Redknapp believes Spurs have missed the presence of influential centre-back Jan Vertonghen, insisting that when he returns to fitness Tottenham will be a far more balanced side.

"They've got good players," he said. "Vertonghen when he's fit is a big player for them. He's missed the last few games and he's a fantastic player.

"When he's fit they're a different team there's no doubt about that and when he comes back and when Sandro is fit then Tim will have a really good squad to choose from.

"With Les Ferdinand to work with him and Chris Ramsey - lads that he knows and trusts - I think they'll do well."

QPR have a busy run of fixtures in the Championship during the festive period with a visit to Nottingham Forest followed by an away trip to Watford and a home game against Doncaster.

The much travelled Yossi Benayoun could be in line for his full debut for the club and the Israeli insisted firing QPR into the Premier League next season is on the minds of every player at the club.

"When Harry called me I did everything to come from the beginning," Benayoun said. "Like everyone here we want to be in the Premie League next season so I will do my best to help the team to do it.

"I was privileged to play with a few of the best clubs in England. West Ham, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal.

"I enjoyed my time with all of those clubs and now here. I want to stay here I love the life in England, my family are happy here so hopefully we'll continue to be successful here at QPR like we've been before."