Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has what it takes to take charge of Aston Villa, says Celtic hero Stiliyan Petrov
STILIYAN PETROV has backed Steven Gerrard to take over at Aston Villa.
The English Premier League club are reportedly set to make a formal approach for the manager this week.
It comes after they sacked Dean Smith following his side's 1-0 defeat to Southampton at the weekend.
Rangers have since insisted that they have received no contact from Villa in regards to their pursuit of Gerrard.
However, Celtic hero and former Aston Villa star Petrov reckons the Englishman has shown he has what it takes to take over at Villa Park.
He told talkSPORT: "I have a lot of time for the young managers, especially for the two names that have been mentioned for the Villa job.
"Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard, two young managers who have managed to start their careers in the best possible way.
“Especially Steven Gerrard, he has shown that he can handle pressure, he’s hungry to achieve and he’s moving in the right direction, so I don’t see why not.
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The links between Gerrard and Aston Villa have brought pundits down on both sides of the argument as to whether it would be a good move.
Former Celtic star Carlton Cole reckons it would be brilliant for him - but not necessarily for Villa.
He said: “Of course it’s going to be a great appointment for Gerrard.
“But I’m not sure it is for Villa but for Gerrard and his next step it is brilliant.
“He wants to get in the Premier League one day and it’s always a two-horse race in the Premiership.
"To challenge yourself, you need to come to the Premier League at some point and I think Aston Villa is a good fit for him to make that step.
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“If he does a good job he could go on, I know he wants to end up at Liverpool one day.
“But that’s the end game and he has to focus on that and be ready for that gig."
However, former Sky Sports pundit Charlie Nicholas reckons Gerrard shouldn't even contemplate settling for Aston Villa.
He said: "I can't see Steven Gerrard being the villain of the piece by quitting Rangers for Aston Villa.
"Yes, the Midlands side are in the market for a new manager after sacking Dean Smith, but I can't see that being a big enough job to entice the Rangers manager back south.
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"I don't think there is any merit in Gerrard even contemplating Villa."
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