Liverpool FC striker Ian Rush turns out for Formby five-a-side

Britain’s first £3 Million footballer Ian Rush has made a surprise return to football – as The Football Pools brought in the Liverpool legend as the ultimate pub team ringer.

Railway FC Team LiveRush surprised Over 35’s side - Railway Formby Vets FC – by turning out in a five-a-side match to promote the chance to win £3 Million for just £1 on The Football Pools.

30 years ago, Rush became the very first British player to breach the £3 Million mark when he signed for Juventus from Liverpool for £3.2 Million – a British record transfer fee at the time.

The 55-year-old, who scored more than 350 career goals, insisted he was delighted to get back on the pitch for his local team, and add Railway Formby to his impressive list of former clubs. He said: “Grassroots football is where the game’s heart is, and when The Football Pools asked if I wanted to make a comeback, I was delighted to put my boots back on."

He went on to say: "Looking back on my career, the £3 Million British record fee was a significant moment, and I hope the same amount will be even more special for someone playing The Football Pools. The Football Pools is a great Liverpool institution and it’s brilliant to see a real tradition of British football coming back into the public eye.”

And having been presented with a brand new kit for the team, Railway Formby captain Mick Shannon admitted he still couldn’t quite believe he could count a British football legend amongst his teammates.

He said: “He’s not a bad player is he? If he keeps working hard he’ll go far here. In all seriousness though, we had to pick our jaws up off the floor when he turned up. There’s lots of Liverpool fans in the team, so it was incredible to play alongside Ian. I can’t wait to tell my other mates that I’ve played with Ian Rush now!"

He went on to say: "We were contacted by The Football Pools via our Facebook page. They asked if we would like Ian Rush to attend a training session and play with the team. We were over the moon. After engaging with the lads he took penalties at Gary Brookes (goalkeeper) scoring 2/3 penalties.The team would like to thank Ian Rush and also the Football Pools team for this fantastic opportunity and for all the kits. Thank you."

The Football Pools, which was founded and remains based in Liverpool, is celebrating a comeback of its own - with a brand new TV advertising campaign launched at the weekend. The Pools offers the chance to win a £3Million Top Prize for just £1, and can now be played at WHSmith stores as well as at www.footballpools.com

Watch the video of the Formby team with Ian Rush here: https://vimeo.com/203097094/4679512b81