Robbie Fowler unveiled as Brisbane Roar head coach

Robbie Fowler has been named head coach of A-League side Brisbane Roar.

The former Liverpool striker has agreed to a two-year contract and will take charge of the Australian team from the start of the 2019 season.

The 44-year-old has previously played in the league for North Queensland Fury and Perth Glory between 2009 and 2011 and said he was happy to be returning Down Under.

“I’m really looking forward to the challenge and am determined to bring success to a club that has such a proud history in the Hyundai A-League,” he said in a statement on the club’s website.

“I’m really keen to get started and make a difference.

“My family and I have already experienced living in Queensland, so I’m really happy to be returning and being part of the Brisbane Roar family.”

Fowler’s playing career ended in 2012 and he has held one other managerial position when he was appointed player-manager of Thai club Muangthong United in 2011 until his retirement.

Over the past seven years, Fowler has been coaching at Liverpool’s academy programme.

Brisbane Roar chief executive David Pourre said: “BRFC (Brisbane Roar FC) is confident that we have appointed an outstanding person and someone who is hungry to succeed.”

The side currently sit ninth in the table, having lost four of their last five matches.

Their final game of the season will take place at home on Thursday against Adelaide United.

Fowler made more than 300 appearances for Liverpool, his boyhood club, averaging better than a goal every other game before leaving for Leeds in 2001.

He went on to play for Manchester City, Cardiff and Blackburn, as well as making a return to Anfield in 2006.