The presence of Steven Gerrard at the Academy can play a priceless role in shaping the development of Liverpool’s young stars, believes Robbie Fowler.

Gerrard returned to the club earlier this year to take up a wide-ranging coaching position within the club’s youth set-up – and will step up to become manager of the Reds’ U18s for the 2017-18 season.

Fowler feels having someone with the Anfield legend’s experience and standing within the game holding such an important post at the Academy will only prove beneficial for youngsters aiming to make a breakthrough.

“I think it'll be brilliant,” he told the Liverpool Echo. “When you're a young kid walking around the training ground, and you bump into someone of Steven's calibre, it's massive.

“Not just because the way he is on the pitch, either. The stuff that the kids can learn off him will be frightening. Steven has always been demanding as a player, and I am sure he'll be the same as a coach too, wanting the very best from everyone.

“I think just walking around the training ground, just being there, it'll impress the kids, have a big impact on them and drive them on.

“Hopefully, a lot of the young kids will thrive by having him there, because he's got some good players to work with already.”