John McMahon replaces Gary Ablett as reserve-team coach at Anfield.

John McMahon believes his time with Shrewsbury Town was a major stepping stone to landing the job as reserve-team coach at Liverpool.

McMahon has been with Town since 2006, working as an assistant manager first with Gary Peters and now Paul Simpson.

"I've worked with youth players right up to first-teamers, and I think I've proved myself at both clubs," he told BBC Radio Shropshire.

"I've been loyal. I had eight years at Tranmere and three at Shrewsbury."

McMahon, the younger brother of former Anfield midfielder Steve, was on Everton's books as a youngster.

He played for a number of non-League clubs before turning to coaching, firstly in the youth set-up at Tranmere, where, on two occasions, he took on the caretaker-manager's role.

He helped guide Shrewsbury to two Wembley play-off finals during his time at the club.

"It's not often a club like Liverpool comes calling," he added, "so it's a fantastic opportunity for me, a job I couldn't refuse.

"I'm sorry to leave Shrewsbury, as it's a progressive club with good people going in the right direction, but moving to Liverpool is something I can't wait to get my teeth into."

"To work with a manager of the quality of Rafa Benitez and an assistant manager like Sammy Lee is brilliant."

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