He was part of the iconic 1980s milk television advert which helped make Accrington Stanley one of the most famous clubs in the country.

Thirty years on football legend Ian Rush returned to Accrington to take part in the build up to clubs mouth-watering League Cup tie with Premier League newboys Cardiff City.

The former Liverpool striker also joined in the celebrations as Accrington became the 100th town in the UK to benefit from superfast 4G internet connection from company EE.

Rush visited the Reds ground to present Stanley manager James Beattie with free 4G wi-fi for their clubhouse before visiting the EE store on Broadway.

EE bosses said they invited the former Welsh international to take part in 100th town launch because of the Stanley milk advert connection which gave birth to the infamous line: “Accrington Stanley? Who are they?”

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Rush told the Observer he still drinks milk every day and never expected the advert to become as popular as it has.

He said: “I do still drink it every morning and I'm not going to stop now.

“It's not bizarre to still be associated with it. Ever since that advert came out it's been one of the best known and it's nice to be associated with that.

“It had that scouse mentality and sense of humour and it's good to see the club now doing well and back in League 2. It just shows how far they have come.”

Rush has backed the Reds to do well this season despite a poor league start and said it was great to visit the town for the 4G launch.

Ian Rush made the line 'Accrington Stanley? Who are they?' famous in a Stanley milk advert

He said: “They are working with the budget they have. The manager is trying to do the right thing, he's a local lad and wants what's best for the club.

“It was a great thing when EE asked me to come to Accrington and I'm happy to be here. It’s fantastic to be part of the big 4G switch on.”

David Gallagher, head of retail stores for EE, said they are delighted to have reached the 100 milestone so quickly.

He said: “It's a massive thing for a more rural place like Accrington to have 4G ahead of other places in the UK and it gives people an alternative to fixed-line broadband.

“It's been great to have Ian Rush here. The milk advert was a bit tongue when it asked who Accrington Stanley were but now even they have 4G.”