Mullin has made nearly 450 career appearances

Former Burnley midfielder John Mullin has returned to Turf Moor on a part-time basis as part of the club's youth coaching set-up.

The 34-year-old will combine the role while continuing to play for League Two side Accrington Stanley.

"He's already contemplated about going down the coaching line," Accrington assistant manager Jimmy Bell told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"But we think that he's still got plenty to offer on the playing side."

Mullin, who is a qualified level three coach, will work alongside former team-mate John Francis at Burnley's centre of excellence, helping the under-15s.

The Bury-born player started his career as a trainee with Burnley in 1992, before moving to Sunderland three years later.

We still think he's a few weeks away but he's started running again, which is good Accrington assistant manager Jimmy Bell

He returned to Turf Moor in March 1998, making six appearances during a month's loan spell, before rejoining the Clarets on a free transfer the following season, going on to help Stan Ternent's side win promotion to the Championship in 2000.

After spells with Rotherham and Tranmere, the attacking midfielder joined Accrington in August 2008 but has missed the whole of the current campaign with an ankle injury.

"He started light training again on Monday," said Bell.

"We still think he's a few weeks away but he's started running again, which is good."

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