Past playersCraig Johnston

Born in South Africa, Johnston travelled the long way to Merseyside but grasped his unlikely opportunity with commitment, determination, extra-curricular training and sheer will to succeed.

"I just loved being a footballer and I could never believe that I was good enough to be on the same field as these guys. Every time I pulled on a Liverpool shirt, to me, was a major victory," said the man nicknamed 'Skippy'.

Upon receiving a recommendation from Graeme Souness, manager Bob Paisley brought Johnston to the club in April 1981 and within three years the Australian could boast three league titles and three League Cups in his trophy collection.

The 1982-83 campaign included a personal best 10 goals from midfield; a year later, he played at the Stadio Olimpico as the Reds lifted their fourth European Cup by downing Roma on their own ground.

It had been a whirlwind beginning to his life at Liverpool, although disappointing events were just around the corner for Johnston. He fell out of favour under Joe Fagan and featured on just 17 occasions throughout 1984-85.

Johnston's reaction was the mark of the man – he began to stay behind at Melwood of an afternoon, working on his technique and ball control. His extra work, coupled with the appointment of Kenny Dalglish as manager, prompted perhaps his finest season.

'Skippy' made a massive 61 appearances during the 1985-86 campaign and again notched an impressive 10 goals. One of those came, emotionally, against Everton in the FA Cup final to complete the double.

Still in his mid-20s, there seemed no end to his success and he remained a fixture in Dalglish's team selections, adding a fifth championship medal to his growing haul in 1987-88.

However, issues affecting Johnston's personal life naturally took precedence during the final stages of his Liverpool career and, after making his last appearance in the 1988 FA Cup final, he quit football to return to Australia.