RUSH FOR STRIKERS AT OAKWELL

Rush called time on his illustrious playing career two seasons ago and he has since been seeking for a route into coaching to continue his love affair with the game, and Barnsley boss Nigel Spackman has now handed his former colleague this chance.

The duo formed part of the Liverpool squad in the ill-fated 1988/89 season that saw Arsenal pip the Merseysiders to the League Championship on goal difference, and they are now set to team up again to help Barnsley climb away from the First Division relegation battle this season.

The duo have also worked together at Sheffield United when Spackman was in charge of The Blades and brought Rush to Bramall Lane on loan, and he was delighted to see the 39-year-old Welshman arrive at Barnsley on Tuesday as part of his backroom restructuring.

"In his prime, Ian Rush was one of the most prolific goalscorers in European football and I think it would be a shame not to tap into such a wealth of experience," said Spackman.

"He worked with all the strikers yesterday, passing on some tips, and hopefully we will soon see the benefits."

Meanwhile, Spackman has been linked with an interest in former Barnsley defender Carl Tiler, who was placed on the transfer list at his current club Charlton last week and was said to be a target for Birmingham at the weekend.

Tiler has also worked with Spackman in the past, again at Sheffield United, and now The Tykes boss is believed to be looking at the 30-year-old to bolster his defence at Oakwell.

The Sheffield-born stopper began his career at Barnsley, making over 80 appearances for the club before leaving to join Nottingham Forest for £1.4 million in May 1991. He turned down a loan move to Second Division Rotherham this week.