Dennis Allen has said that Sean Payton is at the "top of the league" among NFL coaches.

Payton's New Orleans Saints will face Allen's Oakland Raiders side tomorrow evening.

The Raiders head coach told reporters: "Sean's a heck of a football coach. I've learned a lot from him just as far as how he handles a football team, what his demeanor is and the swagger that he brings to his team. I think you'll see a different New Orleans Saints football team this year with having him back.

"I'd say he's up there at the top of the league. That's for sure. [The Saints] present a lot of challenges offensively in the way that they match up their personnel, their tempo on offense, the things that they do in the running game and in the passing game, so it'll be a great test for us.

"I'll get to talk to Sean and bounce a few ideas off of him and see what he has to say. We're looking forward to the opportunity, and we'll see how it goes on Friday night."

Payton missed last season due to suspension for his involvement in the bounty scandal.