Past playersGary McAllister

A midfielder with experience at the highest level – including a league title with Leeds United – McAllister provided a touch of composure at the Reds' centre as Houllier's young charges stormed towards a treble.

The Scot's first campaign with the club, 2000-01, proved a slow-burner; restricted to mostly substitute appearances during the first half of the season, he later forced his way into starting contention.

Perhaps his greatest moment in Liverpool colours occurred in April 2001. A dramatic Merseyside derby at Goodison Park was locked at 2-2 with seconds remaining; McAllister approached a free-kick from 40 yards out, proceeded to fool the goalkeeper and curled it perfectly into the near post.

That scarcely believable strike seemed to galvanise the Reds for their final trophy push and McAllister evolved into the choirmaster, orchestrating affairs with his passing and set-piece prowess crucial.

He scored in each of the next four fixtures too, including the penalty that knocked out Barcelona in the UEFA Cup semi-finals. Having appeared as a substitute when the Reds lifted the League Cup and FA Cup, McAllister started the subsequent final in Dortmund.

McAllister coolly converted another spot-kick against Alaves and, with the Spaniards having forced extra-time after four goals apiece, he delivered the free-kick that forced a Liverpool golden goal and further glory.

He remained at Anfield for the following season and featured in 38 matches as Houllier's side launched an assault on the championship and progressed to the Champions League quarter-finals.

His Liverpool career concluded on the final day, introduced from the bench for 10 minutes against Ipswich Town as the Kop serenaded the midfielder for everything he had provided in the previous two years.