Yohan Cabaye has suggested that Joe Cole should return to Lille as the Englishman has so far failed to earn a regular starting berth back Liverpool despite a successful season-long loan at the Ligue 1 club.

The midfielder has made only two starts under Brendan Rodgers’ new-look team, including a mid-week run out against Swansea in the Capital One Cup, when the Welsh side defeated the Reds 3-1 at Anfield.

And Cabaye believes that a return to France would be in the best interests of all parties involved.

Ahead of Liverpool’s home game against Newcastle on Sunday, the Magpies’ midfielder told The Mirror: “It’s difficult for him [Cole] because he’s not playing so much.

“He did well for Lille and maybe it would be a good choice to go back. He is not playing a lot with Liverpool, so if he wants more games, he can play more there.

“They like him at Lille – the club, the ­manager and the fans. I heard manager Rudi Garcia was keen to take him back.”

Cole made 38 appearances whilst on loan to the French club, in contrast to his fringe status back at Liverpool.