Crystal Palace Alan Pardew has backed Harry Redknapp to return to management once his health allows it.

Redknapp, 67, left QPR in the week complaining that ongoing knee problems have made it impossible for him to continue in the role.

He will undergo immediate knee replacement surgery, and thanked the QPR board for supporting him during a “fantastic time at the club” in a statement on Tuesday.

It is unknown whether Redknapp will return to management, but Pardew believes we have not seen the last of him.

He said: “He’s called it a day at QPR but I don’t think that’s the end for Harry. I think he would like to make a comeback when he is up and running.

“He is a fantastic manager and I wish him a very speedy recovery.”

Redknapp leaves QPR second-bottom of the Premier League table having led them to promotion, via the Championship play-offs, last season.

Tim Sherwood, who worked under Redknapp at Tottenham, is now favourite to take over at Loftus Road.