LIVERPOOL Football Club have hailed the return of Ian Rush as a ‘huge asset.’

The goalscoring legend has been appointed as the club’s new Soccer Schools Ambassador and will play a leading role in developing the money-spinning venture across the globe.

Rush is Liverpool’s all time top scorer with 346 goals in 660 games during two stints at Anfield.

Despite his obvious appeal as the most prolific striker of his generation, Rush is set to be much more than just a figurehead for the soccer schools project.

Commercial director Ian Ayre says the former Wales international will bring a wealth of coaching and technical experience to the role.

Rush is an Elite Performance Director for the Welsh Football Trust and also holds the highly regarded UEFA pro licence.

“We didn’t approach Ian as a token appointment just for the name,” explains Ayre.

“Ian is going to play a very key and critical part in overseeing the whole soccer schools project and have a direct input into the technical side.

“His experience as an elite performance coach is a huge asset for us. This is a great way for him to utilise those skills together with the iconic status he has with our fans all over the world.”

There is no question that Rush’s involvement will raise the profile of the soccer schools.

“The club’s core product is playing football and every kid around the world wants to play for Liverpool,” continues Ayre.

“The nearest thing to that for those kids who may never have the opportunity to play professionally is to make it as authentic an opportunity and experience as possible.

“It’s a combination of putting the right system together with the appropriate quality.