Jay Spearing is delighted with his return to Liverpool this season.

The midfielder is a player-coach with the U21s.

He told the club's match programme: “From my point of view it's been incredible. I wouldn't change it for the world.

“I was still playing at the time but to come out of the game into this role wasn't a gamble. To come back and be part of this club again and with the way Alex explained what the role entailed, it was an absolute no-brainer. And it's lived up to my expectations.

“A big part of my role is speaking to the lads on a daily basis and getting around them to make sure they are OK, see how they are feeling and what they are thinking about the football.

“For instance, some of them will have been on such a high after winning the Carabao Cup and maybe two days later were training with the U21s again. That's just how football works, it's not because they've not done well. So, it's just about being mentally ready to adapt and you've got to try to keep them steady and prepared for when the next occasion comes along.

“My role is also to guide them through different moments and challenges in games. Are we on top? 'OK, let's go for the jugular and try to score a goal.' Are we under the cosh? 'Then let's stick together and fight through it.' Are there moments when we think we can keep the ball for a bit and not rush things?

“There are different types of moments in games that they have to try to figure out themselves, but I try to guide and teach them so that when I'm on the side as assistant manager they can try to take control of the games themselves.

“We're trying to squeeze absolutely every single millimetre there is out of them to give them the best opportunity to go and play for this club, and if not this club, at a club somewhere else. But the aim is to try to help them reach their true and highest potential.

“If we keep doing that, then I'm sure that this club will continue to be successful."