Wayne Rooney should not fall into the trap of taking the Everton job too soon.
That's according to his former Manchester United colleague Mikael Silvestre, who feels it might be wiser for Rooney to continue honing his skills at Pride Park.
Rooney is among the favourites to land the Goodison Park vacancy, following Rafael Benitez's sacking over the weekend.
He is under serious consideration for the post along with former Chelsea boss Frank Lampard, with reports claiming that the duo are poised to be interviewed by the Toffees.
But Silvestre, who spent four years alongside Rooney at Old Trafford, believes his old pal is not yet ready to return to Merseyside despite winning plenty of plaudits in his current role as Derby County manager.
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“He should give himself more time - opportunities like this might not ever come back, so that’s something to consider," the Frenchman said, speaking to Slingo Casino.
"It’s still early doors, he’s done a good job at Derby despite the circumstances.
"But my advice would be to keep learning his craft and learning about himself before going into the hotseat."
Ironically, Lampard followed a similar path to the one many are now predicting for Rooney.
He too had his first job in the dugout at Pride Park and after impressing in the East Midlands, he was plucked by Chelsea - the club where he gained legendary status as a player - after barely a year.
But Lampard was gone within 18 months and was given the chop by the Blues a year ago this week.
And Silvestre believes Rooney needs more time to develop as a manager to avoid falling into the similar trap that snared Lampard.
"He [Rooney] is a very young manager, still playing not long ago," Silvestre added. "Jobs like this will come in the future if he carries on like this because his name is huge in the Premier League.”
Everton are expected to take their time before announcing Benitez's successor.
They were heavily linked with a move for their former boss Roberto Martinez, but an approach for the Belgium manager was rebuffed.
To that end, earlier this week they confirmed that Duncan Ferguson would take over duties on a caretaker basis.
The Scot assumed a similar role in 2019, after the sacking of Marco Silva and before Carlo Ancelotti's appointment.
An Everton statement said: "Duncan Ferguson has been appointed as Everton caretaker manager for the club’s upcoming games.
"The Blues legend took charge of training at USM Finch Farm on Tuesday morning as the squad began its preparations for the visit of Aston Villa to Goodison Park on Saturday.
"Ferguson will be supported in his caretaker position by John Ebbrell and Leighton Baines, along with Goalkeeping Coach Alan Kelly.
"It is the second time Ferguson has taken caretaker charge at the Club, having guided the Blues to five points from three league games against Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal in December 2019.
"An announcement on a permanent managerial appointment will be made in due course."
