OTTAWA - Prime Minister Harper thinks Mark Carney is a wonderful central banker — others think so too.

The Bank of Canada governor who was named by Time magazine as one of the world's most influential men is being taken seriously in international circles as a possible replacement for disgraced International Monetary Fund head Dominique Strauss-Kahn.

Carney has gained international profile in the past few years in part because of Canada's relatively strong economic performance during the recession and in part because of his own sure-footed presence at international meetings.

Last year, U.S.-based Time magazine named Carney its 21st most influential person, the only central banker to make the list.

"Central bankers aren't often young, good-looking and charming, but Mark Carney is all three — not to mention wicked smart," the magazine said in an effusive profile.