Dean Windass believes that Duncan Ferguson should be given the chance to manage Everton.

The former Toffees striker, who spent 10 seasons at Goodison Park as a player, has been Carlo Ancelotti’s assistant manager over the previous 18 months having returned to the club in 2014.

Between Ancelotti’s arrival and Marco Silva’s sacking, Ferguson was named as caretaker manager and impressed during his uplifting four-match spell.

With the side in the relegation zone at the beginning of December, Ferguson inspired Everton to a three-match unbeaten run following a fine Goodison Park victory over Chelsea and creditable draws with Manchester United and Arsenal, the former at Old Trafford.

His side even came back from 2-0 down to force penalties against Leicester in the cup, although the Foxes progressed to the last-four.

Ferguson’s work during those two weeks saw him promoted to Ancelotti’s assistant, and having learned off one of the most successful coaches in the modern era, Windass thinks the time has come for the 49-year-old to be considered for the permanent role.

He told Football FanCast:

"He’s a legend at the football club, he’s got blue blood running through his veins and he’s a very passionate man.

"He must have learned a hell of a lot with Ancelotti, and their relationship between the pair was very good. The board wants Duncan to stay around the place, whoever the new manager is.

"Give Big Dunc a go, he did very well in temporary charge before Ancelotti. The fans love him, and the fans will be back next year."