Former Celtic manager believes Brendan Rodgers "loyal and hard working" John Kennedy is the perfect man to the fill the breach in the wake of Neil Lennon's exit.
The 49-year-old replaced Rodgers when he made his shock exit south of the border to take over at Leicester two years ago.
And he admits he was upset to learn of Lennon's departure but believes his former first team coach Kennedy is the right man to get a response in the interim.
Rodgers said: “I'm always saddened when a manager loses his job but in particular when it's someone I can call a friend.
“It's tough for him but when it all settles down, Neil is an incredible legend at the club. He's won so many titles. His legacy there will be intact for ever.
“I didn't know John when I went there but when I met with him for the first time his knowledge of the game was clear to see.
“In my time there he was an absolutely brilliant first team coach. He's very loyal, very hard working and always very supportive.
“He knows the demands of Celtic. He's a great pair of hands just to stabilise the club.”
But Rodgers believes it is absolutely vital that his former club add a director of football to work alongside incoming chief executive Dominic McKay.
There is expected to be significant change to the playing squad this summer as they look to mount an instant response and wrestle the title back off Rangers.
He added: “At the highest level, in particular, it's a role which is very important. I think in the modern game, it's absolutely critical to have that.
“Obviously the manager has to be able to bring in players he wants because he's accountable for what happens on the pitch. I'm pretty sure that's something Celtic may be looking at"
