Ex-Premier League star, 34, plays for Liverpool U21s at alongside 16-year-old – 11 years since first leaving club

JAY SPEARING, 34, made a surprise appearance for Liverpool’s Under-21s in the EFL Trophy last night.

The midfielder made 55 appearances for Liverpool’s first team between 2010 and 2014 before leaving the club to join Bolton Wanderers.

Jay Spearing is a player-coach for Liverpool’s under-21sRex

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Spearing has made six appearances for Liverpool’s under-21s, including against former club Blackpool[/caption]

Spearing made 55 appearances for Liverpool’s first-teamMark Robinson - The Sun

From there, he embarked on a journeyman career which took in spells at Blackburn, Blackpool and Tranmere Rovers.

Last year, he re-joined Liverpool as a coach for the team’s under-21s which also takes in a playing role.

That’s seen him make six appearances for the side’s under-21s as a player.

Despite being registered as one of the club’s three over 21s allowed to play for the youth side, his inclusion in the side still took Liverpool fans by surprise as they took on Barrow.

The veteran opted to pair himself alongside Trey Nyoni, 16, in the midfield, who recently made his England U-21 debut.

Liverpool fans online were left confused by Spearing’s decision to include himself in the side, with one writing on X: “Jay Spearing playing in big 2023?”

Another wrote: “Why is Jay spearing still playing for Liverpool lmao”

A third wrote: “Jay spearing still at the club” alongside several crying emojis.

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And a fourth commented: “I bet Trey Nyoni never thought he’d play with Jay Spearing.”

Spearing’s inclusion in the XI was justified, however, as the midfielder pulled the strings in the middle of the park.

The player-coach substitute came off in the 58th minute with the club leading 1-0.

His withdrawal prompted a late turnaround for Barrow as they went on to win 2-1.

The EFL Trophy appearance was the midfielder’s first start of the season but he has previously made cameos from the bench, including against former club Blackpool.

Speaking about playing for the under-21s in his 30s, Spearing told Liverpool’s club website: “Any time I can get out on the pitch, get my boots back on and help the boys out, it’s an absolute pleasure and it’s good fun.

“It’s fun and that’s part of my role as well to still play – whether that be on the training field or playing for the U21s. It’s been a really enjoyable time so far.”