Liam Rosenior has said that he hopes a managerial role can be the next step in his career.

The 36-year-old retired as a player in 2018 and has since forged a reputation as one of the hottest coaching prospects in English football.

After a year with Brighton's under-23s Rosenior moved to Derby County where he took on the role of first team coach under Phillip Cocu, but with the Dutchman losing his job last week it has pushed the former defender into the reckoning for the role.

Alongside Rosenior, several big names including player-coach Wayne Rooney have been linked with the managers' role with the Championship club, however no decision has yet been made.

Along with Rooney, Rosenior will take charge of the Rams for this weekend's Championship clash against Bristol City and says that this is the sort of opportunity that he's been waiting for.

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Asked if management is the next step, Rosenior said: "Yeah for sure, I've worked towards this moment for 25 years.

"I finished my career early because my passion is coaching. I'm blessed to represent this football club. I was one of the youngest ever coaches to get my pro license at 32."

Discussing the prospect of taking the role permanently, he added: "It's one thing wanting the job, it's another being the right person for it.

"I've got no doubt Wayne is going to be an outstanding manager. I'd like to say one day that I can be an outstanding manager myself."

The Verdict

Liam Rosenior would undoubtedly be an outstanding choice as Derby County manager.

After plying his trade with both Brighton and the Rams, the former defender has already shown glimpses of his credentials as an articulate, considerate manager-to-be.

Whether this role will come too soon for him remains to be seen, but whether it's at Derby or elsewhere there's no doubt that he'll be a top level boss before long.