Liverpool physio Matt Konopinski is leaving the club to take up a new role with England.

Konopinski, who has served the Reds with distinction for nearly a decade, has decided to move on after being head-hunted by the Football Association.

Highly respected by staff and players alike, he will be sorely missed at Melwood and Liverpool's loss will be England's gain.

He tweeted: "After a memorable 10-years at LFC I'm excited to be embarking on a new challenge at the FA .

"Huge thanks to staff and players both past and present for some incredible moments shared. Fortunate to have worked with some exceptional athletes/individuals."

The process to recruit a replacement is already at an advanced stage with Liverpool having whittled down a list of candidates.

In the short-term Academy physio Paul Squires has been promoted to Melwood to work with the first-team's medical and sports science staff.

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(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Konopinski joined Liverpool in February 2009 having previously worked for Leeds United and Barnsley.

Initially, he headed up the physiotherapy services for the under-21s at the Academy before moving to Melwood to work with the senior squad in 2012.

His primary role at Melwood was first-team rehabilitation physiotherapist – providing treatment for medium to long-term injured players. He had previously worked for Leeds United and Barnsley.