The Scot has been in the hot seat for the last three matches following the sacking of Marco Silva, earning a win against Chelsea, a draw with Manchester United prior to Wednesday night's penalty shoot-out defeat by Leicester in the Carabao Cup.

There have been strong reports that Carlo Ancelotti is close to agreeing a deal but, should that happen over the next few days, his first game would now be the Boxing Day trip to Burnley.

Asked about the issue following the Leicester match, Ferguson said: "I would think I'll be in on Saturday because it's such a quick turnaround. We've got a massive game and we've got to be ready."

Having stepped in following Silva's sacking with Everton in the bottom three, Ferguson has re-energised Goodison Park and believes Ancelotti, providing the deal goes through, will take over a club heading in the right direction.

"They've got a great team spirit now and I think there's something to build on," he said.

"Of course, when a new guy comes in, he'll have his own ideas, I'm sure he'll be looking to the January transfer window."

Australian Associated Press