STEVE SIMONSEN makes return visits to the two Merseyside clubs where his professional career began over the next four days – and says he is relishing the prospect.

The 31-year-old goalkeeper will be aiming to help Sheffield United maintain a 100% start to the new League One campaign at Tranmere this afternoon.

And on Tuesday Simonsen is due back at Goodison Park, where The Blades face Everton in a Carling Cup second round tie.

Simonsen said: “I am looking forward to those matches. I still live in the area so it will be good to go back.”

Simonsen began learning the goalkeeping trade at Prenton Park, where he progressed through the youth development system and made 42 senior appearances under manager John Aldridge between 1997 and 98.

A move across the Mersey to Everton made headlines because the transfer fee had the potential to rise to £3million depending on appearances. But in actual fact, only £1m changed hands between the clubs.

Simonsen wasn’t able to establish himself as Everton’s first choice goalkeeper in five years at Goodison but went on to build a successful career with Stoke City. He moved to Sheffield at the start of last season, following a short loan spell.