Johnson praise for Alexander

Lee Johnson believes Graham Alexander's manner lends itself perfectly to management.

Two of the Football League's youngest managers go head-to-head this weekend when Johnson's Oldham host Alexander's Fleetwood in League One. The two faced each other as players and Johnson insists ex-Preston and Burnley defender Alexander displayed all the attributes to suggest a promising managerial career would follow. "It's the influence he had on players," Johnson said. "He was a captain everywhere he went and he's got a good manner about him. "I'm pretty sure he'll do well in football and it's nice to see young British managers doing well." Prior to guiding Fleetwood to their sixth promotion in 10 seasons last May, Alexander enjoyed a career at every level of the Football League system and accrued over 1,000 appearances. Although his time in the top flight was fleeting, Johnson believes Alexander's football brain was as intelligent as any he came across. He explained: "He was a really, really good player - a proper player. "He wasn't quick and had he been quick, he would probably have been world class; that's how far I'd go. "If he had decent, genuine pace he would have been top, top drawer. "He had a long, great career because he was so good and professional, and I'm full of respect for people like that because it means he's a football person." Breaking news, transfer gossip, line ups and goal alerts from your football club - delivered direct to your mobile. Sign up for Sky Sports Alerts