Former Wanderers midfielder Jay Spearing made a surprise appearance for Liverpool Under-21s in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy last night.

Spearing joined the Whites in the summer of 2012, initially on loan from the Reds, and made the move permanent the following year.

The midfielder went on to make 173 appearances during a five-year spell at Bolton, scoring eight times in total.

After leaving Wanderers, Spearing went on to have stints at Blackburn Rovers, Blackpool and Tranmere.

The 34-year-old returned to Anfield last year in a player-coach role to work with the club’s young talent and help their development.

He started the 2-1 defeat against Barrow last night, playing an hour in the middle of the pitch before making way for Tommy Pilling at Holker Street.

Despite the result, Liverpool’s youngsters still have a chance of qualifying for the knockout rounds depending on the result of Blackpool’s clash with Morecambe next week.

Earlier this season, Spearing told the official 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.”

Nearly 12 months ago, the midfielder opened up about a health scare that led to him being diagnosed with a condition called Addison’s disease.

Spearing revealed that he had blood tests and was rushed to hospital before his body “starting shutting down” and going into “adrenal crisis”.

Thankfully, the condition can be managed and the 34-year-old vowed not to let it “affect or dictate my life”.

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