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Jay Spearing returns to Liverpool as part of a growing trend of experienced players mentoring young talent.

Once League Two side Tranmere Rovers decided to release the midfielder, who started under Kenny Dalglish in the 2012 FA Cup Final defeat against Chelsea, Liverpool invited him to join the club’s youth set-up – but with a difference.

In addition to being a hands-on coach with the Under-18s, the midfielder will feature for the U-21s in Premier League 2 as one of the three over-age players allowed. Many observers believe that the gap between what is in effect reserve team football and the Premier League is too big, with the days of the old Central League and Football Combination - which would involve players with first team experience - long gone.

It’s why so many clubs send players out on loan to the EFL to help them become street wise, eventually able to meet the demands of their parent club. But in an effort to broaden youth team knowledge, clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester United have turned to players nearing the end of their careers, but with coaching qualities, to play alongside the promising kids.

Last season Manchester United signed their former Republic of Ireland central defender Paul McShane at the age of 35 to coach and play in their Under 23s side to help develop