Former Tottenham Hotspur boss Harry Redknapp set to become interim manager of Jordan

Former Tottenham Hotspur boss Harry Redknapp is set to be Jordan's head coach for two World Cup qualifiers this month. The 69-year-old manager has confirmed he will oversee the Middle East nation's match against Bangladesh on March 24 and then lead them against Australia in Sydney five days later.

The surprising deal has been brokered by Jordan's Prince Ali bin Hussein, who recently stood for the FIFA presidency. Meanwhile, Redknapp has also agreed to become the director of football at Championship side Derby.

"It's going to be a tough couple of weeks, that's for sure," the ex-Tottenham boss said, according to The Sun. "I'm friends with Prince Ali and wanted him to take over from Sepp Blatter. He asked me if I'd manage the team for a couple of matches and I agreed.

"I'll go to the Nottingham Forest game and then go straight to London and fly to Jordan. It's a busy time but I've missed the buzz of being involved in football."

The move marks Redknapp's first foray into international management, having forged his reputation with the likes of Tottenham, West Ham United and Portsmouth. Australia's head coach Ange Postecoglou has welcomed the chance to pit his wits against Redknapp, but questioned if he is suited to managing a national side.

"I'm not sure how much of an opportunity he'll get. He can't wheel and deal like he usually does," Postecoglou said of the former Tottenham boss. "It's the national team so unless he comes up with a new way of doing things, he's going to have to go with the players he's got.

"He's a professional manager, who's got a hell of a lot of experience. If he is here I'm sure it will create more interest which will be great. The more interest we get around the game the happier I'll be."