Academy starlets who embark on their maiden Melwood visit during international breaks this season will benefit from something their predecessors were largely unable to experience - the presence and influence of Steven Gerrard.

Since earning a first England call in 2000, Gerrard has been a near ever-present for the Three Lions, seldom omitted from the squad, and so spending sessions at his club base during the international period has not been an option for the skipper.

However, July 2014 saw the midfielder call time on an illustrious career with his country, stepping down steeped in praise with 114 caps to his name, determined to focus all his energies on competing on all fronts for Liverpool.

This week he's been at Melwood, where the customary influx of young talent has arrived from Kirkby, not merely to make up the numbers, but to prove to Brendan Rodgers and his staff that they deserve a recall.

Mike Marsh, the Reds' first-team coach, has been studying their every move - and he's been keen to impress upon the youngsters the importance of exploiting a chance to learn from such an iconic footballing figure like Gerrard.

Watch the video here »

"We've had the U21 players who are fit, plus Adam Phillips and Ovie Ejaria from the U18s squad, come up to make our squad up to 20," Marsh told Liverpoolfc.com.

"They have been fantastic and they've seemed to really enjoy it. It has been a really good experience for them.

"Steven's obviously recently retired from international football, so he hasn't really had the opportunity to be around here during the international break. So for the young players to come down to Melwood and mix with Steven has been a real benefit for them."

Marsh cites Gerrard as the perfect example for any aspiring footballer on how to conduct themselves both on and off the pitch - but he believes players with plenty of experience can learn equally from the 34-year-old.

"It's not just the young players," continued Marsh. "I think all of the players can learn from the way Steven applies himself when he goes into training sessions and prepares for the games. He's a great example to everyone.

"We've got four or five senior pros left over during the international break, so when the younger players come up, they see the way they prepare, how they do the warm-up, everything.

"From the start of the session until the end, they do it really professionally and you can see them taking it all on board, so it's a really good experience for them."

As someone who made the progression from youth team to Liverpool's first XI, Marsh is well positioned to offer advice to the young generation, who harbour hopes of one day playing in front of an expectant Kop at Anfield.

He said: "It's not ideal having a split site with us in West Derby and the younger lads in Kirkby, but we do get a lot of exposure because Alex Inglethorpe is up here a lot and we also go to Kirkby.

"So it's not as if we are blind to what is going on. Every time they come to Melwood it's a good opportunity for them."