Liverpool: Gary McAllister is returning to Liverpool as manager Brendan Rodger’s latest backroom staff appointment, the Premier League club announced on Saturday.

The 50-year-old McAllister who enjoyed two successful years at Anfield as a player between 2000 and 2002 will serve as first team coach.

Rodgers, who this month named Sean O’Driscoll as his new assistant manager and elevated Pepijn Lijnders to the role of first-team development coach, said on www.liverpoolfc.com: “Gary has a special connection with this club and its supporters, and I’m delighted he is joining our team as first-team coach.

“When I met him I was struck by his passion, enthusiasm and knowledge for what we’re looking to achieve here.

“He has experience coaching at the highest level and is someone who can connect with players and help them learn from his knowledge and understanding of representing this great club.”