LONDON - FORMER Liverpool striker and manager Kenny Dalglish returned to the club on Friday to help lead the youth academy and act as a commercial ambassador around the world.

Manager Rafa Benitez wants to draw on the expertise of the coach who masterminded Liverpool's last English championship triumph in 1990.

'We were looking for someone who has a knowledge and a passion for the club and Kenny is the perfect choice,' Benitez said.

'Kenny has played for the club, he's managed the club, he's done everything. He's a fantastic signing.'

In his senior role at the academy, the 58-year-year-old Dalglish hopes to unearth talent that can one day make the first team.

'For the boss to put his trust in me is a great compliment and I am coming back as a very lucky person,' Dalglish said. 'Hopefully we can start producing players to challenge for a place in Rafa's plans - it won't happen overnight.'

In his moneymaking capacity, Dalglish will travel the world as an ambassador for the club.

Despite being English football's most decorated club, the five-time European champions lag behind their global rivals in terms of generating revenue and recent success on the field.

'If you're looking for somebody to go around the world on behalf of Liverpool Football Club then I don't know anybody better than Kenny,' Benitez said.

Dalglish joined Liverpool as player in 1977 and went on to score 172 goals in 515 games as the Reds won the European Cup three times.

Dalglish had already won the English league five times when he was promoted to player/manager from the 1985-86 season and won a further three before resigning in 1991.

Liverpool's record haul of 18 titles was matched by Manchester United in May as it finished four points ahead of the Reds in the Premier League.

Dalglish went on to manage Blackburn, where he also won the league title, Newcastle and Celtic. -- AP