Alan Pardew believes that Brendan Rodgers should be acknowledged with the Manager of the Year honour after successfully accomplishing what the Newcastle United boss considers 'the hardest job'.

Having guided Liverpool to a seventh-place finish in his debut campaign at the helm, the Northern Irishman has overseen a remarkable transformation in fortunes throughout the 2013-14 season.

Champions League qualification was secured with three matches to spare and the Reds retain a mathematical chance of leapfrogging Manchester City to win the Barclays Premier League on Sunday.

Standing in their way for the final fixture will be the Magpies, whom Rodgers' charges must beat - and hope their rivals suffer defeat at home - if the championship is to be dramatically lifted at Anfield.

However the finale unfolds, though, Pardew has revealed his appreciation for the progress achieved by his opposite number and argued that the Liverpool manager should scoop a personal prize in recognition for his work.

"Brendan Rodgers has done an unbelievable job," he said at his pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow's 3pm BST kick-off.

"Moving four or five positions at the top of the league is the hardest job that there is in football. For me, he's got a great chance of being Manager of the Year - and rightly so. And he can still win the title."

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