Paul Lambert is hopeful the appointment of Kieron Dyer as Under 23s manager will benefit the club’s younger players.

Dyer started his new role on Thursday following his return to the club after a year away, with the 33-cap England international a popular figure with the club’s young players following a successful time coaching the Under 18s.

His return, following a year of study and visits to leading clubs to pick up new skills and knowledge, is one Lambert hopes will benefit the club as a whole.

“The club needed somebody in that role and Kieron knows the club really well,” Lambert said.

“So hopefully he starts his career in coaching back here and hopefully will be able to pass advice onto the young players.

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“They need to play men’s football to bring them on,” he continued. “The kids who played Gillingham in the EFL Trophy will have really benefited but then we find it to be a bit of a negative that they play at that level one week and then go back to youth level the next.

“That’s where it maybe falls down. If you play against the men every time then that can help bring them on.

“But hopefully Kieron’s appointment can help them.”

Dyer’s appointment has seen Gerard Nash, previously in charge of the Under 23s, move into a first-team scouting role.