I still get a kick out of Raheem

first opportunity in what feels like the seedier side of the game, with his cohorts doing little to protect him.

Greg Clarke was yet to be appointed as FA chairman when Allardyce was given his job, which ensured he had no sense of loyalty. There was disbelief an England manager being paid £3million a year could, within a month of taking the job, use his status to try to swell his bank balance even further – even allowing for the rider that he said he would first seek permission from the powers-that-be.

However, it was the suggestion loopholes could be exploited regarding the FA’s “ridiculous” rules on third-party ownership that left Allardyce exposed, and could be seen to compromise the integrity of the organisation he works for. Poor judgment – off the pitch, not just on it – has brought down many an England coach.

As Clarke began the grilling of Allardyce at Wembley yesterday along with CEO Martin Glenn, who was part of the three-man committee that made the appointment on July 22, it became clear this issue was about upholding the stature of the organisation above standing by a newcomer. Allardyce was sacrificed.

It is not as if he had a strong body of work behind him with England. That solitary game against Slovakia at the start of the month, won by Adam Lallana with the last kick of the match, means unbreakable bonds have not been forged with his players, even if his first week had proved BRENDAN RODGERS says there is no point Celtic trying to kick Raheem Sterling off the pitch at Parkhead tonight because he is tougher than he looks. The Bhoys manager also believes in-form Manchester City and England star Sterling has developed a thick skin so will not be fazed either by the inevitable hostility from the crowd. Rodgers aimed a thinly disguised dig at former City boss Manuel Pellegrini for allowing Sterling’s form to “drift” in his first season at the Etihad following his £49 million move from Anfield. But he is delighted to see the rejuvenation under Pep Guardiola of a player he introduced to the big time at Liverpool.

“You can’t kick him – I saw that in training all the time at Liverpool,” said Rodgers. “When we first brought him into our training all the centre halves – Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger – tried to kick the life out of him. But very quickly they realised you can’t. He was actually stronger than them.

“He has this incredible and unique power and strength. A lot of it is in his head – that’s why I know he’ll be all right in the end – but his actual physicality is immense for such a slight boy. He’ll never get bullied in a game.”

Rodgers says Guardiola has given the England winger popular. It brings to mind the old story of the former Bolton manager’s alleged quip to Michael Ricketts upon his return to the club after an England debut against Holland in 2002. “You’ve got two caps,” said Allardyce. “Your first and your last.”

England Under-21 coach Gareth Southgate will take charge of the World Cup qualifiers against Malta at Wembley on October 8 and in Slovenia on October 11 on an interim basis, plus November’s fixtures against Scotland and Spain.

As for Russia 2018 – well, that will remain out of reach for Allardyce, who hoped England would forge his reputation. In many ways, it has. He is tarnished for ever. a focus which was lacking under Pellegrini last season and led to criticism of his performances.

“I felt Raheem drifted away from the player he is,” he added. “It wasn’t all his fault. He went into a changing room full of mature players but he needs coaching.

“And I could see it with his performances with England. He lost what he was, which is a one-v-one guy who is dynamic and can take people on. But you can see him now working with a clear plan.

“At Liverpool we played him on the sides and as a No10. He had defined, clear roles on what he should do and he was brilliant, absolutely brilliant. He could take on board tactical information, great. Now he has a clear way of working with a plan and you see the benefits.

“He’s super-confident – look at his goal against Swansea at the weekend. He covered the ground so easily, produced a little step-over and finish. So he’s back to being right on track and it’s great to see.”

City can equal Tottenham’s English top-flight record of 11 straight wins from the start of the season set in 1960-61 but Guardiola says he expects a different Celtic team to the one thrashed 7-0 by his former club Barcelona in the opening group fixture.

“We expect Celtic to play with great intensity,” he said.

“I’ve heard about the Parkhead atmosphere. Records are nice but it is more important we continue to improve and win trophies.”