Steven Gerrard can start a new managerial dynasty at Liverpool when the time is right, says Ian Rush.

During a 17-year playing career at Anfield, Gerrard made 710 appearances, scored 186 goals and lifted 10 trophies – including the Champions League in 2004-05 and two FA Cups.

After a stint in MLS with the Los Angeles Galaxy, the 36-year-old returned to Liverpool as an academy coach in February, despite being linked with top job at MK Dons.

Rush is confident Gerrard made the right decision and will play a pivotal role in the club's future from the first-team dugout.

"Only Steven knows whether he sees himself as a future Liverpool manager. He's intelligent and I believe he's going down the right path," Rush is quoted as saying by The Mirror.

"I know he had loads of offers, including going to China and managing MK Dons. He was right not to rush any decision and analyse what he really wanted. He will have a year or two in the academy and then stepping into management will be his next ­ambition.

"I think Jurgen Klopp has done well to welcome him back, get him coaching in the academy. It means he isn't being flung in at the deep end of coaching or ­managing, which would have been the case at MK Dons.

"At the moment, there's no better man for the job than Jurgen Klopp. But, maybe, in the future we can start a new Anfield dynasty, with Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher calling the shots.

"Maybe that's what we're missing at the moment.

"Stevie G has the perfect pedigree to, one day, take over as manager. He joined the club as a kid, was brought into the team by Gerard Houllier, has captained the side, been the club's best player for years. So the stage is set - if he wants it. The fans would love it.

"He also knows the importance to the supporters of bringing good local talent through. We've got some good foreign players in the squad, but fans love to associate ­themselves with their own – players such as Stevie G, Jamie ­Carragher and Robbie Fowler."