Former Tottenham and West Ham boss Redknapp, 79, managed both Kane and Lampard as young players and handed the current England skipper his Spurs debut back in 2011.

Kane, 33, was thrust into the first team by Redknapp in a Europa League clash against Hearts and has since gone on to enjoy a record-breaking career on both the domestic and international stages.

The Bayern Munich striker racked up a remarkable 73 goals for club and country last year and goes into tonight’s London ceremony as red-hot favourite for football’s most prestigious individual prize.

Redknapp hailed Kane and Lampard’s identical attitudes for taking them to the top - and believes his former Spurs prodigy’s personality away from the pitch propelled him to greatness. 

“For sure - Harry has surely got to win it,” said Redknapp, speaking as part of a Coventry Building Society campaign to support Sky Blues boss Lampard and his players.

“He deserves to win it - the goals he’s scored at Munich is ridiculous. 

”The way Harry and Frank both trained was incredible.

“They both had a great attitude, trained and worked so hard. 

“They listen, want to learn and practice, practice, practice after training.

“Shooting, finishing - they never, ever give up and have that never say die attitude.

“Harry was never a schoolboy superstar who was going to come straight in at 16, 17 into the first team.

“And there were players like Frank, Rio Ferdinand, Michael Carrick and Joe Cole – but Frank was always the leader of that group with his attitude.

“I can’t sit here and say I thought either him or Frank would go on to be two of the world’s best strikers or midfield players from the very start.

“They just both worked very hard and wanted to do it.

“Harry is just a great lad and great person - and a family man. 

“I love him - what a player and what a captain. 

“He’s become the best centre forward in the world, which is fantastic.”

Redknapp was speaking to promote Coventry Building Society’s Sky Blue Line – a telephone that functions as a direct contact between friends, family and fans to help motivate and support Lampard and his Coventry players.

The former Hammers boss famously nurtured Lampard at Upton Park as he was embarking on his burgeoning career – before going onto Chelsea and England stardom.

Kane goes into tonight’s London Palladium ceremony as heavy favourite, which is being held in the capital to mark the 70th anniversary of the award that first went to Stanley Matthews back in 1956.

Spanish World Cup winner Lamine Yamal, plus Kylian Mbappe, are also in the running – but it’s Kane, who notched his 91st international goal this month, who looks likely to be crowned the first English winner since Michael Owen 25 years ago.

Redknapp added: "Harry’s got a great character, a strong character.

“If he misses a penalty, he picks the ball up and takes the next penalty - it just wouldn't phase him. 

"He's so strong, got a lovely family around him and is a proper family man. 

“I love to see these people – he’s a bit like Luka Modric, not Billy Big Time, but just gets on with his football. 

“They practice and become great players - and Harry's become an incredible player.”