Chelsea boss Frank Lampard says former teammate John Terry is "destined" to become a manager.
The Aston Villa assistant coach is being linked with the Derby County job.
Lampard said: "Yes. I think John is destined to be a manager.
"He is working very well alongside Dean [Smith] at Aston Villa, so he will have been learning a lot. But he has experience from the game as a player and I know from playing alongside him what he has to offer.
"It is a great opportunity potentially for him, if true, and for Derby. I have a lot of affection for Derby from my time there.
"John will be a hungry, ambitious manager whether it is Derby or whatever other opportunities come his way. He is going to be a fantastic coach in my opinion."