Owen Coyle will match wits today against a man he believes could manage any team in the world when Bolton Wanderers host Everton.
The visitors have certainly not had one of their best seasons since David Moyes took over as the coach nearly nine years ago and head into today's clash three points behind Bolton.
But Coyle, the Bolton manager, has nothing but praise for his fellow Scot, particularly given the financial constraints he has encountered at Goodison Park.
"He's an outstanding manager," Coyle said. "More than that, when you look at the job he's done and the heights he's taken Everton to with limited resources, for me he's capable of managing anybody in world football.
"And if he did [move to a bigger club], I've got no doubt that major honours would come on the back of it. That's how highly I rate him as a manager."
The visitors at least will go into the meeting on the strength of a victory after last weekend's 5-3 win over Blackpool, although the four-goal star of that performance - Louis Saha - has been sidelined by injury.
Coyle at last has a mostly fit squad to choose from; a run of injuries left him with few choices in December and January.
Moyes, meanwhile, was flattered by the praise from Coyle.
"It's very kind of him but there are a lot of young, promising managers out there who would like to be given opportunities and I am sure if Owen keeps doing what he is doing, he'll be competing at the highest level," he said.
"He already is with what he is doing at Bolton. His team are playing great. He took them over in a really difficult position last year and got them away from relegation.
"He has had a great year in the job, done really well."
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