Past playersGerry Byrne

After impressing in the club's youth teams, the Scouse defender signed professionally with Liverpool in 1955; he made his debut appearance in September 1957 but it was an occasion to forget – he scored an own goal.

Byrne was restricted to a sum total of seven matches during his opening three seasons in first-team contention but the appointment of Bill Shankly as manager proved a blessing for the dogged full-back.

Widely considered one of the hardest men to have represented the Reds, the local lad was unbeatable in the challenge, unflinching in his bravery and could be relied upon for consistent performances.

With Shankly highly appreciative of his abilities, Byrne played every single league fixture as the Reds romped to the Second Division title and promotion in 1961-62. Even better was still to come.

Byrne was a crucial member of Shankly's supreme side of the mid-1960s and collected league championship honours in both 1963-64 and 1965-66, producing another ever-present campaign in the latter season.

Sandwiched in between those triumphs was Liverpool's first taste of FA Cup glory; the Reds beat Leeds United 2-1 in the final. Known only to a few until after the match, Byrne had actually severely split his collarbone moments into the game but, in a phenomenal example of courage, completed 120 minutes.

Injuries ravaged Byrne's season during 1966-67, although he recovered to play a total of 36 matches the following season – passing the 300-appearance mark for Liverpool in the process.

The defender's successful period at Anfield was cruelly drawing to a close as his body struggled and he retired from the game after a last runout at the Reds' home, against Wolverhampton Wanderers in April 1969.