Brendan Rodgers believes Duncan Ferguson is deserving of his chance to manage Everton on a full-time basis in the future.
Ferguson led his side to a 2-2 draw against Rodgers' Leicester City in the Carabao Cup quarter-final on Wednesday evening but the Foxes came through on penalties.
The former Everton striker could remain in charge for the visit of Arsenal this weekend as he remains unbeaten in the Premier League following games against Chelsea and Manchester United.
When asked about Ferguson's impact at Goodison Park, former Liverpool manager Rodgers replied: "He was great on the touchline. We were having some chats while he was there.
"I think when I've seen him from the outside he's obviously been here and he's a true Evertonian.
"He's got a passion for the club but he's also a very good coach and he's been coaching a very long time.
"He's been given the mantra of overseeing the team and you could see his pride and his passion in taking the team."
Rodgers continued: "He's done absolutely brilliant to galvanise the team over the last few games and he's got some really good results.
"If it's not his time this time then I'm pretty sure in the future it can be because he has the real DNA of Everton.
"You see that in the team, you see that in the spirit of the players and yeah, I think he'll be deserving of his chance at some point I'm sure."
