Wayne Rooney has been tipped to emulate Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard and Chelsea favourite Frank Lampard by becoming a top manager.
That is according to Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson who believes Manchester United legend Rooney has all the makings of a successful coach.
Gerrard is enjoying success as manager of Rangers while his former England teammate Lampard has impressed since taking over at Chelsea in the summer.
Rooney has recently taken up a player-coach role at Derby and made his debut for the Championship side in midweek with an impressive display against Barnsley.
The 34-year-old still has playing time ahead of him at Pride Park, however former England manager Hodgson is tipping his former captain to continue his success once he retires.
"We have seen two other players of the same generation," Hodgson said.
"I gave Wayne his 100th cap, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard both earned their 100th cap playing for England during my time there. Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard are making a hell of a go of their management careers so why shouldn't Wayne be included in that?
"He is a leader type – there is no question of that.
"All three of those had leadership qualities that they were able to show on the field of play. That is what the real good leaders are. It is not just a question of talking a good game or being persuasive verbally, it is a question of being able to get on the field of play and show leadership qualities when you need them."
