The players are ordered according to their positional play
01. David James
Born Welwyn 1/8/70, Ht 6 5, Wt 14 02
International : England Youth, B, Under-21.
Appearances/Goals : Watford 89/0, Liverpool 123/0. Total : 212/0.
1996-97 Season Appearances/Goals : 24/0.
David James must be unlucky to have been almost completely ignored during
Terry Venables' reign as England boss. The rock that Liverpool build
themselves on, James had, up until the start of this season, added
consistency to his otherwise known talents. Concerningly he has been up
and down this term, although he has clearly been hampered by an ankle
injury for a while now. An England call-up for Glenn Hoddle's first match
in Moldova was deserved, and a long and fruitful international career is
surely just around the corner.
13. David Warner
Born Liverpool 11/5/74, Ht 6 4, Wt 13 09
International : None.
Appearances/Goals : Liverpool 0/0. Total : 0/0.
1996-97 Season Appearances/Goals : 0/0.
Tony Warner is now firmly established as David James' number two, as
Stephen Pears has left on a free transfer and Michael Stensgaard has
retired. Warner is the regular gloveman for the reserves, but there
must be doubts about his ability to mix it at the top level as he has never
played for the first team in a serious fixture. Roy Evans is said to be looking
for experienced goalkeeping cover now that Pears and Stensgaard are no longer on
the books.
06. Phil Babb
Born Lambeth 30/11/70, Ht 6 0, Wt 12 03
International : Eire B, 20 full caps.
Appearances/Goals : Millwall 0/0, Bradford City 80/14,
Coventry City 77/3, Liverpool 62/0.
Total : 219/17.
1996-97 Season Appearances/Goals : 21/1.
The Irish international Phil Babb, despite being a regular in the side
and a favourite of Roy Evans, is still to win over large proportions of
the Anfield faithful. His pace is not in question - he is probably the
quickest man in the squad. His passing ability and presence in the final
third of the field are the worrying parts of his game, but the Liverpool
manager has faith in him. Regular in the Eire squad. Scored his first
Liverpool goal in the visit to his old side Coventry City, but lost his
place when Neil Ruddock returned to the first team. Has won it back since
at the expense of England squad member Dominic Matteo.
20. Stig-Inge Bjornebye
Born Norway 11/12/69, Ht 5 10, Wt 11 09
International : Norway 43 full caps.
Appearances/Goals : Elverum ?/?, Kongsvinger ?/?, Rosenborg ?/?,
Liverpool 53/0. Total : 51/0.
1996-97 Season Appearances/Goals : 24/2.
Norwegian Stig Bjornebye had a frustrating season last time round. After
suffering a broken ankle the year before, he figured only twice in the
first team. The team won both times though! Given a chance to cement a place
this season after injuries to Steve Harkness, Rob Jones and Mark Kennedy, he
has had an impressive start, capped with the first goal of the Premiership
season, scored at the Riverside Stadium against Middlesbrough and in Finland
he netted the sole goal in the Cup Winners' Cup against My-Pa.
23. Jamie Carragher
Born Bootle 28/1/78
International : None.
Appearances/Goals : Liverpool 0/0. Total : 0/0.
1996-97 Season Appearances/Goals : 2/1.
Fine performances in pre-season friendlies gave the talented Jamie
Carragher a spot on the bench for the start of the Premiership season.
Equally adept at right back and in the middle, Carragher's first
Liverpool match was a Merseyside Derby in the John Moores Tournament.
Another Evertonian that Liverpool stole, Eire manager Mick McCarthy is
said to be investigating his lineage. Current captain of Liverpool's
reserve team, he returned to the first team bench for the Boxing Day
fixture with Leicester City, although he was unused, but made his bow
in the league cup loss at Middlesbrough and followed it up with a full
second half against West Ham at Anfield, and a first start marked with
a goal as Villa were thrashed at Anfield.
12. Steve Harkness
Born Carlisle 27/8/71, Ht 5 10, Wt 11 02
International : England Youth.
Appearances/Goals : Carlisle United : 13/0, Liverpool 64/2,
Huddersfield Town (loan) 5/0,
Southend United (loan) 6/0. Total : 88/2.
1996-97 Season Appearances/Goals : 0/0.
The star of last season for many people, Steve Harkness was cruelly
robbed of a FA Cup Final place against Manchester United by a shocking
tackle from John Salako that shattered his leg. Harkness is on the
verge of returning to the first team now, as he has been included in
recent first team squads. Originally returned to the first team as a
left wing-back, he sees his long term future in the middle.
02. Rob Jones
Born Wrexham 5/11/71, Ht 5 8, Wt 11 00
International : England Under-21, 8 full caps.
Appearances/Goals : Crewe Alexandra 75/2, Liverpool 160/0. Total : 235/2.
1996-97 Season Appearances/Goals : 0/0.
'Trigger' has a large obstacle to overcome to get back into the first
team this term - a serious back injury. Originally thought to be
career-threatening, Jones' injury took time to heal, but he made a
surprise early return in the league cup quarter-final loss at
Middlesbrough. Yes, he still hasn't scored either.
03. Bjorn Tore Kvarme
Born Trondheim, Norway 17/7/72, Ht 1.85 metres, Wt 78kg
International : None.
Appearances/Goals : Rosenborg 88/2. Total : 88/2.
1996-97 Season Appearances/Goals : 1/0.
Kvarme goes down in history as the first player Liverpool signed
under the Bosman ruling when he arrived from Rosenborg in January
on a free transfer. Though ineligible to play in Europe, the right
back-cum-centre half is expected to fill a key role as back up to
Mark Wright and Rob Jones in the title run-in. Kvarme made his first
team bow in a much reshuffled defence as Villa were hammered 3-0 in
January, and looked impressive.
04. Jason McAteer
Born Birkenhead 18/6/71, Ht 5 11, Wt 11 10
International : Eire B, 18 full caps.
Appearances/Goals : Bolton Wanderers 114/8, Liverpool 29/0.
Total : 143/8.
1996-97 Season Appearances/Goals : 24/0.
Jason McAteer has now settled in the right wing-back's role, previously
filled by Rob Jones. Generally used by Eire as an all-out right-winger,
McAteer's defensive play still needs work. One of the most determined
players at the club, McAteer is firmly a fans' favourite and has been
a Liverpool fan all his life. After a relatively slow start to the
season, his form apears to have hit a plateau as he is having real
trouble as a wing-back. Recently impressed in a central midfield role
as the Republic of Ireland annihilated Macedonia in Dublin.
21. Dominic Matteo
Born Dumfries 24/4/74, Ht 6 1, Wt 11 10
International : England Youth, Under-21.
Appearances/Goals : Liverpool 23/0, Sunderland (loan) 1/0. Total : 24/0.
1996-97 Season Appearances/Goals : 19/0.
Dumfries-born Matteo has taken his opportunity with both hands this season,
impressing in the sweeper's role in the centre of the defensive trio.
Several man of the match winning performances led to him being selected
for England boss Glenn Hoddle's squad to meet Poland, although he was
forced to withdraw through injury. Hoddle has promised him that he will
get another chance, but it may not be immediately as he has lost his place
in the side with Neil Ruddock and Phil Babb returning to the team.
Gareth Roberts
Born Wrexham 6/2/78
International : None.
Appearances/Goals : Liverpool 0/0. Total : 0/0.
1996-97 Season Appearances/Goals : 0/0.
On the verge of the first team during pre-season, Roberts was a substitute at
the start of Liverpool's friendly programme - when they were beset by
injuries - but did not make an appearance.
14. Neil Ruddock
Born London 9/5/68, Ht 6 2, Wt 12 12
International : England Youth, B, Under-21, 1 full cap.
Appearances/Goals : Millwall (two spells) 2/1,
Tottenham Hotspur (two spells) 47/3, Southampton 107/9,
Liverpool 96/10. Total : 232/23.
1996-97 Season Appearances/Goals : 14/1.
Ruddock had a frustrating spell last season, with injuries and frequent
suspension hampering his first team chances. He still managed to score a
respectable 5 goals in 20 league games, inlcuding a pair in the 5-0 slaughter
of Leeds United. Frustrated by his lack of first-team chances that have
stemmed ever since he was not selected for the Cup Final, Ruddock had been
transfer listed at �5.5m. However, he has since changed his mind and agreed
to a new contract, even though he will have to fight for his place. Got his
place back in a minor shake-up and has impressed in the sweepers' role since
returning.
Russell Whitehead
Ht 5 8, Wt 10 04
International : None.
Appearances/Goals : Liverpool 0/0. Total : 0/0.
1996-97 Season Appearances/Goals : 0/0.
Broke into the reserves last season, and can also play on the wing.
05. Mark Wright
Born Dorchester 1/8/63, Ht 6 2, Wt 13 03
International : England Under-21, 45 full caps.
Appearances/Goals : Oxford United 10/0, Southampton 170/7,
Derby County 144/10, Liverpool 119/5. Total : 443/22.
1996-97 Season Appearances/Goals : 20/0.
Mark Wright's career renaissance continues, with an England call-up
capping everything last term. His vision at the back has come with age
and experience, added to his reliability and calm head. At his best
playing in the sweeper position bringing the ball out of defence. Valuable
member of the squad, although a depressed cheekbone fracture in the Anfield
win over My-Pa kept him out of the side for a month. Has returned and looks
pure class. Has shown the ability to handle anything trhown at him by
opposing strikers, and his fine form is largely responsible for John Scales
leaving the club.
10. John Barnes
Born Jamaica 7/11/63, Ht 5 11, Wt 12 07
International : England Under-21, 79 full caps.
Appearances/Goals : Watford 233/65, Liverpool 279/80. Total : 512/145.
1996-97 Season Appearances/Goals : 23/3.
After starting his career as a goal-scoring winger, Barnes has now
comfortably settled into a central midfield holding position. With Michael
Thomas in the side he has been pushing forward further, and has won acclaim
for his performances so far this season. Scored a good goal at Middlesbrough,
and followed it up with the last in the 5-1 rout of Chelsea at Anfield.
His outstanding performance in midfield in the Manchester United match in
front of the watching Glenn Hoddle could perhaps have led to an England
recall, but his age is now against him. Tends to tire often in games now,
often contributing little past the 60 minute mark.
15. Patrik Berger
Born Prague 10/11/73, Ht 6 1, Wt 12 10
International : Czech Republic Full Caps.
Appearances/Goals : Slavia Prague 69/21, Sparta Prague 0/0,
Borussia Dortmund 27/4, Liverpool 0/0.
Total : 96/25.
1996-97 Season Appearances/Goals : 15/4.
Roy Evans' new �3.2 million signing impressed all during Euro '96 with
his hard, attacking midfield running. The 22-year-old, who neither
drinks nor smokes, is a regular in the Czech Republic team and scored
the first goal in the final of the European Championships. A sensational
second first team game turned the match at Leicester as he scored twice in
the 3-0 win after coming on as a substitute. Then, six days later, his full
debut at Anfield was marked by another brace. A star was born. Had a spell
out of the side with Jamie Redknapp getting a run. Has since returned and
continues to impress the Anfield faithful.
22. Jamie Cassidy
Born Liverpool 21/11/77, Ht 5 9, Wt 10 08
International : England Youth.
Appearances/Goals : Liverpool 0/0. Total : 0/0.
1996-97 Season Appearances/Goals : 0/0.
An England Youth international, Cassidy missed Liverpool's pre-season
matches - where he would have been a good bet to make a few appearances given
the injuries at the time - because of international duty in the European
Under-18 championships. A member of last season's FA Youth Cup winning side,
Cassidy is tipped for a big Anfield future. Recently recieved senior call up
when he was a substitute not used in the 1-0 home loss to Sheffield Wednesday.
Thomas Culshaw
Born Liverpool 10/10/78, Ht 5 10, Wt 12 02
International : None.
Appearances/Goals : Liverpool 0/0. Total : 0/0.
1996-97 Season Appearances/Goals : 0/0.
A regular in the Liverpool 'A' team last season, Tommy Culshaw has spent time
at the FA School of Excellence.
Sean Friars
Born Derry 15/5/79
International : None.
Appearances/Goals : Liverpool 0/0. Total : 0/0.
1996-97 Season Appearances/Goals : 0/0.
The Northern Ireland schoolboy international from Derry (or Londonderry,
depending on which side of the divide you associate yourself with) was a
regular in the 'B' team last season, and usually plays on the left wing.
19. Mark Kennedy
Born Dublin 15/5/76, Ht 5 11, Wt 11 00
International : Eire Under-21, 10 full caps.
Appearances/Goals : Millwall 43/9, Liverpool 10/0. Total : 53/9.
1996-97 Season Appearances/Goals : 4/0.
Mark Kennedy had a frustrating time of it last season, and was even ready
to pack up and leave Liverpool at one stage. His patience should be
rewarded this season, as he has a much better chance of a first team
place with the injuries to Steve Harkness and Rob Jones. Also able to
play up front, Kennedy's ability to cover there will be useful now that
Ian Rush has left for Leeds. He has showed his promise up front with two
goals in Eire Under-21's win over their Macedonian counterparts recently.
Made his first appearance of the season when replacing Phil Babb in the
Sheffield Wednesday loss. Looked good down the left wing, and got some
excellent crosses in.
07. Steve McManaman
Born Liverpool 11/2/72, Ht 6 0, Wt 10 06
International : England Youth, Under-21, 15 full caps.
Appearances/Goals : Liverpool 171/24. Total : 171/24.
1996-97 Season Appearances/Goals : 23/5.
Steve McManaman continues to develop and become the vital link in the
Liverpool side. A starring role in the England team that made the
semi-finals of Euro '96 capped a fine season for him, and he'll be
looking to continue that form through into this term. A back injury has
been hampering him, though, and his lack of a break during the
off-season will be concerning Roy Evans. His ability is apparent by the
tactics that visiting teams to Anfield are using on him. It is a great
tribute to his ability that opposition managers are having him
man-marked, often by more than one player.
Mark Quinn
Born Warrington 7/10/77
International : None.
Appearances/Goals : Liverpool 0/0. Total : 0/0.
1996-97 Season Appearances/Goals : 0/0.
Another player to make the bench during pre-season, Mark Quinn broke
into the reserves on a regular basis towards the end of last season,
and will be looking to further his claims with a regular spot this
term. Mark is at his best playing out wide and is one of the locals
amongst Liverpool's youth set-up.
Stuart Quinn
Born Whitson 11/12/77
International : None.
Appearances/Goals : Liverpool 0/0. Total : 0/0.
1996-97 Season Appearances/Goals : 0/0.
Stuart Quinn - no relation to Mark - can play either on the right wing
or up front, and made two reserve team appearances last season. Rewarded
with a squad place for the early pre-season friendlies, his goal this
year will be to cement a place in the reserve team on a regular basis.
11. Jamie Redknapp
Born Barton-on-Sea 25/6/73, Ht 6 0, Wt 12 10
International : England Youth, B, Under-21, 5 full caps.
Appearances/Goals : Bournemouth 13/0, Liverpool 134/13. Total : 147/13.
1996-97 Season Appearances/Goals : 9/0.
The bargain buy from Bournemouth had a frustrating season in 95/96 after
such a promising start. Some sublime performances in the early games
were capped by a fine goal at Spartak Vladikavkaz in the UEFA Cup, but
then a series of injuries took a large chunk out of his season. A
hamstring injury incurred whilst playing for England against Switzerland
initially kept him out, and then he pulled it again when making an
aborted comeback. Eventually returning, he played in the disappointing
cup final and took his place in the Euro '96 squad. And, you guessed it,
he got injured in his only game, against Scotland. He was on stand-by for
England for the Poland game, and has since had a run in the team and been
dropped again, sparking speculation that Spurs, Celtic or Rangers are
preparing a �5m bid.
Nicholas Rizzo
International : Australia Youth.
Appearances/Goals : Sydney Olympic 0/0, Liverpool 0/0. Total : 0/0.
1996-97 Season Appearances/Goals : 0/0
Roy Evans' newest signing is an 18-year-old Australian Youth international of
Italian origin (hence, he claims an Italian passport and is not classed as a
non-EU player for European purposes). Also tracked by Manchester United and
Italian clubs, Rizzo rejected them all for a spell at Anfield. A talented
midfielder expected to go far, he scored in his Liverpool debut as the 'A'
team beat Burnley. Has since been on the reserve team scene, and his corner
led to the goal in the loss at Tranmere. Also being included in the FA Youth
Cup side, Rizzo was the star of the show as Manchester United knocked
Liverpool out at Anfield.
16. Michael Thomas
Born Lambeth 24/8/67, Ht 5 9, Wt 12 06
International : England Schools, Youth, B, Under-21, 2 full caps.
Appearances/Goals : Arsenal 163/24, Portsmouth (loan) 3/0,
Liverpool 82/5. Total : 248/29.
1996-97 Season Appearances/Goals : 23/3.
After breaking back into the first team with Jamie Redknapp's injury
problems last season, Thomas was a regular in the side that had such a
long unbeaten run. Dropped after refusing to sign a new contract,
Thomas relented in the summer and agreed a three-year deal. returned
to the first team after, again, Redknapp's injury, and currently
playing alongside and supporting John Barnes through the middle. Scorer
of the second in the 3-0 win at Leicester due to an error by the Foxes'
keeper Kasey Keller, and netted the important winner at West Ham.
Looking good in the 'holding' role in front of the back three, Thomas
appears to be enjoying his football again.
25. David Thompson
Born Birkenhead 12/9/77, Ht 5 7, Wt 10 00
International : England Youth, Under-21.
Appearances/Goals : Liverpool 0/0. Total : 0/0.
1996-97 Season Appearances/Goals : 2/0.
Davy Thompson has finally made the first team breakthrough, with his
Premiership debut against Arsenal at Anfield. He also impressed less than
a week later against Sunderland, when he again came on as a substitute.
Probably the best tackler at the club, Thompson is in fine form and
particularly impressed in a recent reserves' game against Nottingham
Forest, and was been called up for England Under-21 for the first time,
making his debut as a substitute. Recently operated on because of
troublesome injury, but is expected back early in the new year.
Edmond Turkington
Born Merseyside 15/5/78
International : None.
Appearances/Goals : Liverpool 0/0. Total : 0/0.
1996-97 Season Appearances/Goals : 0/0.
Eddie Turkington is equally at home at centre-half as he is in midfield. A
regular in the FA Youth Cup winning side last term, he spoiled it a little
with an unneccesary sending off towards the end of the competition. Local lad
who could go far.
08. Stan Collymore
Born Stone 22/1/71, Ht 6 3, Wt 14 10
International : England 2 full caps.
Appearances/Goals : Crystal Palace 20/1, Southend United 30/15,
Nottingham Forest 65/41, Liverpool 31/14. Total : 146/71.
1996-97 Season Appearances/Goals : 18/7.
'Stan the man' had an up and down first season. Criticising the club was not
his best move - although he did apologise later and some of his criticisms
were taken on board by Roy Evans - but he finally started working on his
partnership with Robbie Fowler, with not inconsiderable success. 19 goals in
his first season isn't a bad haul, especially as he was carrying a hernia
towards the end of the campaign. An operation in the summer meant he missed
the European Championships, and he is still working his way back to full
fitness. Rumours abound of him being unsettled at Liverpool, but he has now
vowed to move to Merseyside from his Cannock home. A lot is expected of the
�8.5m man this season, and losing his place to Patrik Berger will not help,
although an injury to Robbie Fowler gave him his chance again, although he
was forced to make way for Patrik Berger, after regaining his scoring touch
with the then fastest goal of the Premiership season - 33 seconds after
the kick-off -when Wimbledon visited Anfield.
Paul Dalglish
Appearances/Goals : Celtic 0/0, Liverpool 0/0. Total : 0/0.
1996-97 Season Appearances/Goals : 0/0.
Paul - son of you know who - was Roy Evans' first signing of the summer,
on a free after he had been released by Celtic. Plays up front -
although many say he looks better when on the wing - mostly, and has
had an up and down start. Been scoring regularly for the 'A' team
though, and does he look like his father or what?
09. Robbie Fowler
Born Liverpool 9/4/75, Ht 5 11, Wt 11 10
International : England Youth, B, Under-21, 5 full caps.
Appearances/Goals : Liverpool 108/65. Total : 108/65.
1996-97 Season Appearances/Goals : 21/12.
A 36-goal return from Robbie Fowler last term showed his continued progress
as a top-class striker. Now that Ian Rush has left the club he is free to
develop his partnership with Stan Collymore at club, and even, perhaps,
international level. A place in the England squad for the European
Championships was a deserved return, although his appearances were sporadic.
Looking to establish himself alongside Alan Shearer under Glenn Hoddle's new
England reign, Fowler must now take over Rush's mantle as leader of the
Liverpool front-line. Needs to overcome a niggling back injury, which has
hampered his start to the season. Picking up though, as his headed goal
against Chelsea showed. Forced to withdraw from the England squad for the
Poland match due to an ankle injury, but announced he wants his international
place back with a goal against Sion followed by a brace when Derby visited
Anfield and four in the 5-1 humiliation of Middlesbrough that took him to 100
Liverpool goals quicker than the great Ian Rush.
24. Lee Jones
Born Wrexham 29/5/73, Ht 5 8, Wt 10 08
International : Wales Under-21.
Appearances/Goals : Wrexham (2 spells - 1 on loan from Liverpool) 59/19,
Liverpool 1/0, Crewe Alexandra (loan) 8/1.
Total : 68/20.
1996-97 Season Appearances/Goals : 2/0.
Lee Jones' chance has come now that Ian Rush has moved on to Leeds
United, and he needs to claim it now or he never will at Anfield.
Frustrated by lack of first team opportunities last season, Jones
spent a successful spell on loan at his former club Wrexham. A regular
in pre-season matches, Jones failed to score and was back on the bench
by the time the 1st league game came at Middlesbrough. Made a
substitute appearance against Arsenal, and nearly scored.
18. Michael Owen
International : England Youth, Under-18.
Appearances/Goals : Liverpool 0/0. Total : 0/0.
1996-97 Season Appearances/Goals : 0/0.
The star man at the club at youth level, Michael Owen has been a
prolific goalscorer at both club and international level for England's
youth teams. Rated as a star of the future, he has even beaten some of
Robbie Fowler's scoring records in the lower sides at the club. Made
the reserve team this year and scored twice in the win over Forest
reserves. Should look to make his first team breakthrough at
approximately Christmas next season, but the Liverpool coaching staff
would not be afraid to use him now.
01. David James Born Welwyn 1/8/70, Ht 6 5, Wt 14 02 International : England Youth, B, Under-21. Appearances/Goals : Watford 89/0, Liverpool 123/0. Total : 212/0. 1996-97 Season Appearances/Goals : 24/0. David James must be unlucky to have been almost completely ignored during Terry Venables' reign as England boss. The rock that Liverpool build themselves on, James had, up until the start of this season, added consistency to his otherwise known talents. Concerningly he has been up and down this term, although he has clearly been hampered by an ankle injury for a while now. An England call-up for Glenn Hoddle's first match in Moldova was deserved, and a long and fruitful international career is surely just around the corner.
13. David Warner Born Liverpool 11/5/74, Ht 6 4, Wt 13 09 International : None. Appearances/Goals : Liverpool 0/0. Total : 0/0. 1996-97 Season Appearances/Goals : 0/0. Tony Warner is now firmly established as David James' number two, as Stephen Pears has left on a free transfer and Michael Stensgaard has retired. Warner is the regular gloveman for the reserves, but there must be doubts about his ability to mix it at the top level as he has never played for the first team in a serious fixture. Roy Evans is said to be looking for experienced goalkeeping cover now that Pears and Stensgaard are no longer on the books.
06. Phil Babb Born Lambeth 30/11/70, Ht 6 0, Wt 12 03 International : Eire B, 20 full caps. Appearances/Goals : Millwall 0/0, Bradford City 80/14, Coventry City 77/3, Liverpool 62/0. Total : 219/17. 1996-97 Season Appearances/Goals : 21/1. The Irish international Phil Babb, despite being a regular in the side and a favourite of Roy Evans, is still to win over large proportions of the Anfield faithful. His pace is not in question - he is probably the quickest man in the squad. His passing ability and presence in the final third of the field are the worrying parts of his game, but the Liverpool manager has faith in him. Regular in the Eire squad. Scored his first Liverpool goal in the visit to his old side Coventry City, but lost his place when Neil Ruddock returned to the first team. Has won it back since at the expense of England squad member Dominic Matteo.
20. Stig-Inge Bjornebye Born Norway 11/12/69, Ht 5 10, Wt 11 09 International : Norway 43 full caps. Appearances/Goals : Elverum ?/?, Kongsvinger ?/?, Rosenborg ?/?, Liverpool 53/0. Total : 51/0. 1996-97 Season Appearances/Goals : 24/2. Norwegian Stig Bjornebye had a frustrating season last time round. After suffering a broken ankle the year before, he figured only twice in the first team. The team won both times though! Given a chance to cement a place this season after injuries to Steve Harkness, Rob Jones and Mark Kennedy, he has had an impressive start, capped with the first goal of the Premiership season, scored at the Riverside Stadium against Middlesbrough and in Finland he netted the sole goal in the Cup Winners' Cup against My-Pa.
23. Jamie Carragher Born Bootle 28/1/78 International : None. Appearances/Goals : Liverpool 0/0. Total : 0/0. 1996-97 Season Appearances/Goals : 2/1. Fine performances in pre-season friendlies gave the talented Jamie Carragher a spot on the bench for the start of the Premiership season. Equally adept at right back and in the middle, Carragher's first Liverpool match was a Merseyside Derby in the John Moores Tournament. Another Evertonian that Liverpool stole, Eire manager Mick McCarthy is said to be investigating his lineage. Current captain of Liverpool's reserve team, he returned to the first team bench for the Boxing Day fixture with Leicester City, although he was unused, but made his bow in the league cup loss at Middlesbrough and followed it up with a full second half against West Ham at Anfield, and a first start marked with a goal as Villa were thrashed at Anfield.
12. Steve Harkness Born Carlisle 27/8/71, Ht 5 10, Wt 11 02 International : England Youth. Appearances/Goals : Carlisle United : 13/0, Liverpool 64/2, Huddersfield Town (loan) 5/0, Southend United (loan) 6/0. Total : 88/2. 1996-97 Season Appearances/Goals : 0/0. The star of last season for many people, Steve Harkness was cruelly robbed of a FA Cup Final place against Manchester United by a shocking tackle from John Salako that shattered his leg. Harkness is on the verge of returning to the first team now, as he has been included in recent first team squads. Originally returned to the first team as a left wing-back, he sees his long term future in the middle.
02. Rob Jones Born Wrexham 5/11/71, Ht 5 8, Wt 11 00 International : England Under-21, 8 full caps. Appearances/Goals : Crewe Alexandra 75/2, Liverpool 160/0. Total : 235/2. 1996-97 Season Appearances/Goals : 0/0. 'Trigger' has a large obstacle to overcome to get back into the first team this term - a serious back injury. Originally thought to be career-threatening, Jones' injury took time to heal, but he made a surprise early return in the league cup quarter-final loss at Middlesbrough. Yes, he still hasn't scored either.
03. Bjorn Tore Kvarme Born Trondheim, Norway 17/7/72, Ht 1.85 metres, Wt 78kg International : None. Appearances/Goals : Rosenborg 88/2. Total : 88/2. 1996-97 Season Appearances/Goals : 1/0. Kvarme goes down in history as the first player Liverpool signed under the Bosman ruling when he arrived from Rosenborg in January on a free transfer. Though ineligible to play in Europe, the right back-cum-centre half is expected to fill a key role as back up to Mark Wright and Rob Jones in the title run-in. Kvarme made his first team bow in a much reshuffled defence as Villa were hammered 3-0 in January, and looked impressive.
04. Jason McAteer Born Birkenhead 18/6/71, Ht 5 11, Wt 11 10 International : Eire B, 18 full caps. Appearances/Goals : Bolton Wanderers 114/8, Liverpool 29/0. Total : 143/8. 1996-97 Season Appearances/Goals : 24/0. Jason McAteer has now settled in the right wing-back's role, previously filled by Rob Jones. Generally used by Eire as an all-out right-winger, McAteer's defensive play still needs work. One of the most determined players at the club, McAteer is firmly a fans' favourite and has been a Liverpool fan all his life. After a relatively slow start to the season, his form apears to have hit a plateau as he is having real trouble as a wing-back. Recently impressed in a central midfield role as the Republic of Ireland annihilated Macedonia in Dublin.
21. Dominic Matteo Born Dumfries 24/4/74, Ht 6 1, Wt 11 10 International : England Youth, Under-21. Appearances/Goals : Liverpool 23/0, Sunderland (loan) 1/0. Total : 24/0. 1996-97 Season Appearances/Goals : 19/0. Dumfries-born Matteo has taken his opportunity with both hands this season, impressing in the sweeper's role in the centre of the defensive trio. Several man of the match winning performances led to him being selected for England boss Glenn Hoddle's squad to meet Poland, although he was forced to withdraw through injury. Hoddle has promised him that he will get another chance, but it may not be immediately as he has lost his place in the side with Neil Ruddock and Phil Babb returning to the team.
05. Mark Wright Born Dorchester 1/8/63, Ht 6 2, Wt 13 03 International : England Under-21, 45 full caps. Appearances/Goals : Oxford United 10/0, Southampton 170/7, Derby County 144/10, Liverpool 119/5. Total : 443/22. 1996-97 Season Appearances/Goals : 20/0. Mark Wright's career renaissance continues, with an England call-up capping everything last term. His vision at the back has come with age and experience, added to his reliability and calm head. At his best playing in the sweeper position bringing the ball out of defence. Valuable member of the squad, although a depressed cheekbone fracture in the Anfield win over My-Pa kept him out of the side for a month. Has returned and looks pure class. Has shown the ability to handle anything trhown at him by opposing strikers, and his fine form is largely responsible for John Scales leaving the club.
15. Patrik Berger Born Prague 10/11/73, Ht 6 1, Wt 12 10 International : Czech Republic Full Caps. Appearances/Goals : Slavia Prague 69/21, Sparta Prague 0/0, Borussia Dortmund 27/4, Liverpool 0/0. Total : 96/25. 1996-97 Season Appearances/Goals : 15/4. Roy Evans' new �3.2 million signing impressed all during Euro '96 with his hard, attacking midfield running. The 22-year-old, who neither drinks nor smokes, is a regular in the Czech Republic team and scored the first goal in the final of the European Championships. A sensational second first team game turned the match at Leicester as he scored twice in the 3-0 win after coming on as a substitute. Then, six days later, his full debut at Anfield was marked by another brace. A star was born. Had a spell out of the side with Jamie Redknapp getting a run. Has since returned and continues to impress the Anfield faithful.
19. Mark Kennedy Born Dublin 15/5/76, Ht 5 11, Wt 11 00 International : Eire Under-21, 10 full caps. Appearances/Goals : Millwall 43/9, Liverpool 10/0. Total : 53/9. 1996-97 Season Appearances/Goals : 4/0. Mark Kennedy had a frustrating time of it last season, and was even ready to pack up and leave Liverpool at one stage. His patience should be rewarded this season, as he has a much better chance of a first team place with the injuries to Steve Harkness and Rob Jones. Also able to play up front, Kennedy's ability to cover there will be useful now that Ian Rush has left for Leeds. He has showed his promise up front with two goals in Eire Under-21's win over their Macedonian counterparts recently. Made his first appearance of the season when replacing Phil Babb in the Sheffield Wednesday loss. Looked good down the left wing, and got some excellent crosses in.
07. Steve McManaman Born Liverpool 11/2/72, Ht 6 0, Wt 10 06 International : England Youth, Under-21, 15 full caps. Appearances/Goals : Liverpool 171/24. Total : 171/24. 1996-97 Season Appearances/Goals : 23/5. Steve McManaman continues to develop and become the vital link in the Liverpool side. A starring role in the England team that made the semi-finals of Euro '96 capped a fine season for him, and he'll be looking to continue that form through into this term. A back injury has been hampering him, though, and his lack of a break during the off-season will be concerning Roy Evans. His ability is apparent by the tactics that visiting teams to Anfield are using on him. It is a great tribute to his ability that opposition managers are having him man-marked, often by more than one player.
Mark Quinn Born Warrington 7/10/77 International : None. Appearances/Goals : Liverpool 0/0. Total : 0/0. 1996-97 Season Appearances/Goals : 0/0. Another player to make the bench during pre-season, Mark Quinn broke into the reserves on a regular basis towards the end of last season, and will be looking to further his claims with a regular spot this term. Mark is at his best playing out wide and is one of the locals amongst Liverpool's youth set-up.
Stuart Quinn Born Whitson 11/12/77 International : None. Appearances/Goals : Liverpool 0/0. Total : 0/0. 1996-97 Season Appearances/Goals : 0/0. Stuart Quinn - no relation to Mark - can play either on the right wing or up front, and made two reserve team appearances last season. Rewarded with a squad place for the early pre-season friendlies, his goal this year will be to cement a place in the reserve team on a regular basis.
11. Jamie Redknapp Born Barton-on-Sea 25/6/73, Ht 6 0, Wt 12 10 International : England Youth, B, Under-21, 5 full caps. Appearances/Goals : Bournemouth 13/0, Liverpool 134/13. Total : 147/13. 1996-97 Season Appearances/Goals : 9/0. The bargain buy from Bournemouth had a frustrating season in 95/96 after such a promising start. Some sublime performances in the early games were capped by a fine goal at Spartak Vladikavkaz in the UEFA Cup, but then a series of injuries took a large chunk out of his season. A hamstring injury incurred whilst playing for England against Switzerland initially kept him out, and then he pulled it again when making an aborted comeback. Eventually returning, he played in the disappointing cup final and took his place in the Euro '96 squad. And, you guessed it, he got injured in his only game, against Scotland. He was on stand-by for England for the Poland game, and has since had a run in the team and been dropped again, sparking speculation that Spurs, Celtic or Rangers are preparing a �5m bid.
16. Michael Thomas Born Lambeth 24/8/67, Ht 5 9, Wt 12 06 International : England Schools, Youth, B, Under-21, 2 full caps. Appearances/Goals : Arsenal 163/24, Portsmouth (loan) 3/0, Liverpool 82/5. Total : 248/29. 1996-97 Season Appearances/Goals : 23/3. After breaking back into the first team with Jamie Redknapp's injury problems last season, Thomas was a regular in the side that had such a long unbeaten run. Dropped after refusing to sign a new contract, Thomas relented in the summer and agreed a three-year deal. returned to the first team after, again, Redknapp's injury, and currently playing alongside and supporting John Barnes through the middle. Scorer of the second in the 3-0 win at Leicester due to an error by the Foxes' keeper Kasey Keller, and netted the important winner at West Ham. Looking good in the 'holding' role in front of the back three, Thomas appears to be enjoying his football again.
25. David Thompson Born Birkenhead 12/9/77, Ht 5 7, Wt 10 00 International : England Youth, Under-21. Appearances/Goals : Liverpool 0/0. Total : 0/0. 1996-97 Season Appearances/Goals : 2/0. Davy Thompson has finally made the first team breakthrough, with his Premiership debut against Arsenal at Anfield. He also impressed less than a week later against Sunderland, when he again came on as a substitute. Probably the best tackler at the club, Thompson is in fine form and particularly impressed in a recent reserves' game against Nottingham Forest, and was been called up for England Under-21 for the first time, making his debut as a substitute. Recently operated on because of troublesome injury, but is expected back early in the new year.
Paul Dalglish Appearances/Goals : Celtic 0/0, Liverpool 0/0. Total : 0/0. 1996-97 Season Appearances/Goals : 0/0. Paul - son of you know who - was Roy Evans' first signing of the summer, on a free after he had been released by Celtic. Plays up front - although many say he looks better when on the wing - mostly, and has had an up and down start. Been scoring regularly for the 'A' team though, and does he look like his father or what?
24. Lee Jones Born Wrexham 29/5/73, Ht 5 8, Wt 10 08 International : Wales Under-21. Appearances/Goals : Wrexham (2 spells - 1 on loan from Liverpool) 59/19, Liverpool 1/0, Crewe Alexandra (loan) 8/1. Total : 68/20. 1996-97 Season Appearances/Goals : 2/0. Lee Jones' chance has come now that Ian Rush has moved on to Leeds United, and he needs to claim it now or he never will at Anfield. Frustrated by lack of first team opportunities last season, Jones spent a successful spell on loan at his former club Wrexham. A regular in pre-season matches, Jones failed to score and was back on the bench by the time the 1st league game came at Middlesbrough. Made a substitute appearance against Arsenal, and nearly scored.
18. Michael Owen International : England Youth, Under-18. Appearances/Goals : Liverpool 0/0. Total : 0/0. 1996-97 Season Appearances/Goals : 0/0. The star man at the club at youth level, Michael Owen has been a prolific goalscorer at both club and international level for England's youth teams. Rated as a star of the future, he has even beaten some of Robbie Fowler's scoring records in the lower sides at the club. Made the reserve team this year and scored twice in the win over Forest reserves. Should look to make his first team breakthrough at approximately Christmas next season, but the Liverpool coaching staff would not be afraid to use him now.
