“Don't let people knock you down” – that was the message from former Premier League star Stephen Warnock when he dropped into 7 Elite Academy UK's pre-season training session on Wednesday night.

Warnock, who played for Liverpool and England during a glittering 16-year professional career was a surprise inclusion at the session, which comes just weeks before 7EA's first games in the UK.

The UEFA Super Cup-winning defenceman joined the academy's professional coaching line-up at St John Bosco Arts College in Croxteth, passing on his experience of performing alongside with world's best players.

And he recorded a video message to 7EA youngsters about the importance of mental strength.

He said: “For me, the big thing is to have it in your own mind, to be strong mentally and don't let people knock you down.

“People will try to tell you no, that you're too small or too big, or not fit enough. But these are all things that can develop as you grow older.”

The former Liverpool and England star will be in the United States from September 9th for training sessions with selected players based in Salt Lake City and St. George.

More details on his visit to Utah will be released in due course.

He added: “The technical side of the game is certainly the most important aspect for players to concentrate on. 

“Technically if you can learn your trade every day, getting stronger with both feed, heading, kicking, you will only get better and better.”