New Liverpool coach Jay Spearing hit the training pitch today.

The club's Under-21s and Under-18s, including new academy player-coach Spearing, reported back for their own pre-season preparations on Monday, a week before their senior counterparts.

For some of Liverpool 's starlets, the week ahead will present them with a final audition to be promoted to the first team before the season gets underway.

Spearing returns to the club as academy coach, but will also be registered for the U21s to play as an overage player when needed.

The midfielder returned to Anfield after leaving Tranmere Rovers this summer.