JOHN McMAHON revealed his delight at returning to Merseyside to take up a role on Rafael Benitez’s coaching staff.

As expected the Shrewsbury Town assistant manager is to become the Anfield side’s new reserve team coach, replacing the departing Gary Ablett.

McMahon, who is the younger brother of former Anfield midfielder Steve, was on Everton’s books as a youngster before a career in non-League football with several clubs including Southport, South Liverpool, Altrincham, Witton Albion and Runcorn.

He also had a successful eight-year spell as youth team coach at Tranmere and briefly took up the role of caretaker manager twice at Prenton Park.

In 2006 he went to Shrewsbury as number two to Gary Peters initially before working alongside current manager Paul Simpson.

Despite helping the Shrews to reach the League Two play-off final twice – including the recent 1-0 defeat to Gillingham – he had no hesitation in taking up the offer to return to his native Merseyside.

McMahon said: “If any Premier League club comes knocking at your door it is something that you have to consider and with it being Liverpool it was a job that I couldn’t refuse.