He's seen Michael Carrick excelling back at Manchester United - and now old team-mate Phil Jones is following him into coaching work.
Jones, 33, has been appointed as an assistant to Michael O'Neill at Blackburn Rovers, alongside former Southampton and Rangers midfielder Steven Davis.
O'Neill, the Northern Ireland manager, has returned to the Championship on a job-share agreement until the end of the season which sees him continue to work in international football including in the World Cup play-off semi-final against Italy next month.
Northern Ireland claim the move to allow O'Neill to job share is 'progressive' and won't impact the country's World Cup qualification bid.
'Michael remaining active on the grass during this period can only enhance the level of our preparation for the play-off,' said Irish FA chief executive Patrick Nelson.
'We are assured that, following four months of preparation, everything remains on track, and our focus is firmly on ensuring the squad is ready between now and kick-off in Bergamo. Michael will be using his downtime productively by being in and amongst the cut and thrust of elite-level football.
'With a World Cup play-off on the horizon, we are confident this experience will only strengthen his preparedness ahead of such a key fixture.'