Corey Neilson says he had no hesitation in returning to the Great Britain set-up as an assistant coach.

The 39-year-old Nottingham Panthers’ boss has been appointed as assistant to Pete Russell and joins a coaching team which also includes Tom Watkins.

Neilson made 10 appearances as a player for GB, scoring six points, and was assistant to Doug Christiansen in the 2014 World Championship (Division 1B) in Lithuania.

“I was thrilled and really excited when Pete gave me a call,” said Neilson.

“He asked me the question straight away and it was a direct ‘yes, I would love to do it’.

“I have always wanted to do it. Obviously I was involved as a player and as an assistant coach before.

“There are a lot of great people involved in the set-up and it will be a privilege to be back involved.”

Neilson, who won the play-off title and Challenge Cup with the Panthers last season, admitted he has missed being involved with the national team.

“Yes, I have missed it but I’ve been watching all the games on TV and cheering the boys on,” he added.

“The guys go away and do us proud – and they did so well in Croatia and came so close to going up.

“I believe in Pete – he has a great hockey mind and I trust him.

“I trusted him to send my eldest son to work with him when he was with the Okanagan programme.

“He is doing a fantastic job and it really is a privilege that he has asked me to be part of it.”

(Image permission: Karl Denham)