When Stuart McCall was considering the pros and cons of combining playing with managing, he knew where to turn for some advice.

McCall got straight on the phone to Everton boss Walter Smith, his old mentor from Rangers.

The straight-talking manager remains a firm friend after the pair spent seven trophy-laden years at Ibrox together before McCall returned to Valley Parade in 1998.

And Smith was willing to pass on his advice when McCall was promoted to caretaker-manager on Monday.

Smith has followed McCall's progress since the pair went their separate ways and still recalls watching television on the day City won promotion to the Premiership at Wolves.

He added to McCall's hangover the following morning with a tongue-in-cheek rollocking for getting too far forward in the tense final minutes of the game!

Smith said: "It got right near the end and I saw this ginger head bobbing up in the Wolves penalty box. I was screaming at the telly, shouting at him to get back.

"It was typical Stuart, so enthusiastic and wanting to go in anywhere to get the ball.

"I rang his home the next day and told his wife to put Stuart on. When he picked it up I hadn't opened my mouth when he said: "I know exactly what you'll say".

"Stuart said he could almost hear the voices of me and Archie Knox screaming away in his head when he moved up.

"But seriously, he is one of the best professionals I have worked with over the period. Nobody is more enthusiastic about his football.

"And knowing Stuart, he will go into this opportunity whole-heartedly."

McCall said: "I had seven great years under Walter and Archie Knox at Rangers and picked up a tremendous amount from them.

"I would have to say that Walter is the best manager I've played for. I've got tremendous respect for everything that he has achieved.

"It's ironic that this game should be against Everton, the only other team I have played for in England, as well as being up against Walter.

"He's done me a lot of favours over the years and hopefully he'll do another one tomorrow.

"I can't see it though because they are in dire need of the points as well."

Smith is wary of walking into a City backlash following Chris Hutchings' departure.

He said: "Sometimes that happens when managers change, but it's difficult to say.

"It's a tough enough place to go anyway and get a win."

Everton have won twice on their travels at Middlesbrough and Newcastle.