Gary McAllister joins Liverpool as first team coach

McAllister, who spent two years at Anfield as a player, has enjoyed spells managing Coventry and Leeds, but of late has been in back room jobs at Middlesbrough and Aston Villa.

"Gary has a special connection with this club and its supporters, and I'm delighted he is joining our team as first-team coach," said Rodgers.

"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."

McAllister, who was 35 when he signed for the Reds in 2000 but was a key man in their treble of cups a year later, professed himself delighted to be the number three man in Rodgers' coaching set-up.

"I'm delighted. I'm really excited about the prospect of coming back. It's fantastic and I'm really looking forward to it," he said.

"I feel as if I owe Liverpool, getting that opportunity at the last stage of my career, at 35 and getting that opportunity.

"This is similar, I feel the same as I did with that - that was a surprise phone call back then when I was given a chance to come and play at Liverpool as a 35-year-old.

"Right place at the right time, and I just hope it repeats itself. A lot of hard work and dedication... everything is there, Liverpool is a club where you can win things - that's a fact."