Ally McCoist reckons Aston Villa should not be a big enough opportunity to lure Steven Gerrard away from Rangers.
The Ibrox legend is the latest to weigh in on the potential departure of the club's title-winning boss as Villa consider an approach for his services.
Dean Smith's weekend departure has propelled Gerrard to the forefront of the Premier League side's thinking and a tense 48 hours awaits for Rangers.
But McCoist believes Gerrard's dream of becoming Liverpool manager is better served by staying in Glasgow.
Speaking on talkSPORT, he disputed the narrative that taking over at Villa is too big an opportunity to turn down.
McCoist said: "How is it such a big opportunity?
"He wants the Liverpool job, right? What if he goes to Aston Villa and it doesn't work out?
"He's got a better chance of success at Rangers than at Aston Villa, if he wants the Liverpool job.
"If he goes to Villa and it doesn't work out, he's not going to get the Liverpool job. If he stays at Rangers, retains the league and goes straight into the Champions League - a great success - then he's got a better chance of the Liverpool job.
"I agree with Danny Murphy, who said it yesterday."
McCoist is convinced the risk-reward balance does not tip in favour of Gerrard heading to Villa Park and that it's perfectly possible he could one day make the jump straight from Ibrox to Anfield.
He continued: "(Villa) could be (a good stepping stone). But I've got to say, I'm of the opinion Dean Smith may have earned himself a little bit more time.
"However, we know how cut-throat football can be and he's another one that's got the guillotine as a football manager.
"I understand it, but I wouldn't do it. If I was Steven, I'd stay where I was.
"I just think, in terms of the project at Rangers... someone said you don't go from Rangers to Liverpool - aye, you do.
"I think that argument gets blown right out of the water, Graeme Souness did it.
"He's got a better chance keeping things going ticking along at Rangers, win the league this year and that's more success because it's straight into the group stage of the Champions League.
"The risk and reward, I'm not sure it's worth it."
