Steven Gerrard told to forget Liverpool return if he can't solve Aston Villa problems

Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard is frequently linked with succeeding Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool manager.

But the Anfield legend has lots to prove in the next two years if he wants to get the Liverpool hot-seat, according to Stan Collymore, who reckons he has urgent problems to solve at Villa Park. Gerrard is currently in his second job in management having led Rangers to the SPL title, their first for a decade, last term. He took over at Villa in November on a three-and-a-half-year deal, and has guided them to comfortable mid-table safety this season - but is on a three-game losing streak.

Gerrard himself has dismissed talk of a quick return to Anfield, believing Klopp will keep building his trophy-winning dynasty, and shows no sign of wanting to leave. In December Gerrard reacted to being linked with the club he played for with such distinction by saying: “The Liverpool fans don't want me to be the manager of Liverpool Football Club. They want Jurgen Klopp to continue to be the Liverpool manager, and I'm totally with all of them. We shouldn't talk about this, we have one of the best managers leading our club at the minute.”

And Klopp himself was asked the question of Gerrard’s suitability and was positive saying he would “definitely” become the Anfield chief one day. Klopp added: “I think it will definitely happen. And good for everybody! When is the right moment to take the job? Not to say that he’s not able to do it, but how long you want to do it. Is it the last job you do? The second job, third job you do?”

Now former Anfield striker Collymore has entered the debate over the 41-year-old’s long-term career plan. Collymore reckons Gerrard will be in pole position to succeed Klopp if he can get Villa into Europe and