Former Everton striker Francis Jeffers has returned to the club to take up a role as an academy coach.

The one-time England international began his career with the Toffees, breaking into the first team in 1997 as a 16-year-old.

Now 35, Jeffers went on to play for the likes of Arsenal, Charlton Athletic and Blackburn Rovers during a well-travelled career, but has now returned to where it all began as he works towards his UEFA A-Licence.

"I'll be working with all the forward-thinking players in the academy, trying to help them on their journey, which I know a bit about because I have been on it myself," he told Everton TV.

"I'm passionate about coaching and there is no better place to do that than at the club I love.

"You look at it now and teams play mainly with one striker, some play with none. Helping forwards be ready for that challenge is something I'm really passionate about because I believe the kids in the academy need more help as a striker."

Jeffers scored 22 goals in 82 appearances over two spells with Everton.