Hodgson wants Hyypia to return

Roy Hodgson wants to bring Sami Hyypia back to Liverpool as a player-coach – with doubts over whether his trusted No 2 Mike Kelly will follow him to Anfield.

Kop legend Hyypia, 36, was controversially allowed to leave for Bayer Leverkusen last year but Hodgson, who managed him during his time as Finland boss, sees him as a potential ally on the coaching staff.

Hodgson is desperate for veteran Kelly, who is Fulham's assistant manager and goalkeeping coach, to join him on Merseyside.

But Kelly, 67, has expressed doubts about joining his friend, especially as he was married only last year and is settled in the south.

While it has been widely reported Kelly will be Hodgson's Anfield No.2, there has been no official ­approach to Fulham about his services and no deal has been put in place.

Facing a daunting task to revive Liverpool's fortunes, Hodgson needs his long-time lieutenant by his side.

Hodgson is expected to retain Liverpool first-team coach Sammy Lee but would love to bring back Hyypia, who was his Finland captain, and the pair have a great mutual respect.

Hyypia was a hugely popular figure during a decade at Anfield but was given the cold shoulder by former boss Rafa Benitez and moved to Germany last summer.

He continued to be a star performer in the Bundesliga, despite his advancing years, and could be a useful addition to Liverpool's playing squad as well as joining the coaching set-up.

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