Former Chelsea midfielder Ballack returned to training for the first time since February on the same day Hyypia took charge of his maiden session in the wake of Robin Dutt's sacking.

And ex-Liverpool captain Hyypia, who played against the German during their time at their respective English clubs, wants to take advantage of the 35-year-old's experience.

Leverkusen finished second in last season's Bundesliga, but they are presently struggling in seventh and, unlike Dutt, Hyypia thinks Ballack, whose contract expires in June, can help the club to a strong finish.

Hyypia told Deutsche Presseagentur: "Michael has just returned to training. He is a very experienced player. He knows much about all things.

"And we are pretty much in a situation where we are to use experience a lot. So I think Michael is able to play a big part in the rest of the season for Bayer Leverkusen."