Rodgers said: “I’ve worked with Malky. When I got my first manager’s job at Watford, Malky was in for it, as well.
“I was working at Chelsea at the time and was offered it. I think most people thought he would then be moved on, but I had done my homework on him and knew he was a good man and was keen to learn.
“He had not that long stopped playing, so I kept him and in my short period of time there he was a very loyal assistant for me.
“I know him well enough. When I was at Swansea as manager I was asked about him being Cardiff manager and I spoke well of him there as well in terms of what I thought he could do for Cardiff.
“Obviously, the last two or three years have been difficult for him, but in terms of skills set and qualities I’m not sure there is anyone better.
“I don’t know what the role is, but I assume you have to provide a vision, because that’s a mark of how the country will move forward. There has to be that in terms of how the players are going to be asked to be developed.
“Can you get kids here as early as you can, develop them towards being a top-class footballer? Can you provide education, diet and nutrition, which is vitally important up here?
