Liverpool FC’s Scouse superstars

BRENDAN RODGERS is keen to retain the uniquely Scouse accent of his Liverpool squad – and has already started a search to unearth the next Steven Gerrard or Wayne Rooney.

Some of the Reds’ greatest players have hailed from the city which bears the club’s name – and the Liverpool boss is keen to ensure that a new generation of Scouse Kop heroes are developed to succeed Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher.

“My big thing is getting in young players in here from the local area, here in Liverpool, from Liverpool.

“If you look at the history here: the Carragher, the Gerrard, the McManaman, the Fowler, the Owen... and you name me the best two players in England in the last six or seven years?

“Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney; they’re Scousers. One is from that part of the city and the other from that part. So you are not telling me there are not top young talents in Liverpool.

“It is sexy to look in Spain and I am one who loves working with European players and I love working with the talents and all my life I have worked with players from different parts of the world.

“But we mustn’t forget what is on our doorstep and, for me, this is a hot bed for footballers who have a passion, hunger and incredible qualities. That is a massive part of my job and something we are trying to put in place.”

Liverpool’s first European Cup-winning side contained a quartet of legendary Scousers – Tommy Smith, Ian Callaghan, Jimmy Case and Terry McDermott, while Steve Heighway was born in Dublin but snapped up from nearby non-League Skelmersdale United.

The European Cup was raised by Kirkby’s Phil Thompson in 1981, while John Aldridge was an Anfield League and FA Cup winner in 1988 and 1989.

The Scouse theme has been continued by Gerrard and Carragher – who between them boast a phenomenal 1,382 appearances for the club and a staggering array of silverware.

And Rodgers appears intent on keeping intent a Scouse heart beating in his Liverpool side for many years to come.

Mersey pride

Steven Gerrard Grew up in Huyton. One of the greatest players in Liverpool’s history. Has won every major honour, apart from the league title and is the current England captain.

Robbie Fowler The Toxteth terror, nicknamed ‘God’ by most Liverpool fans. After leaving Liverpool in 2001, he returned in 2006 scoring a total of 183 goals.

Jamie Carragher Second on Liverpool’s list of all-time appearance makers and a European Cup winner.

Gary Ablett From Aigburth, the only player to win the FA Cup for both Liverpool and Everton.

Phil Thompson Kirkby-born Thommo lifted the European Cup after Liverpool’s 1-0 victory over Real Madrid in 1981.

Ian Callaghan From Toxteth, Liverpool’s record appearance holder with 857 games.

Tommy Smith Liverpool born. Made 638 appearances for Liverpool and scored in the 1977 European Cup final.

Terry McDermott Kirkby-born. One of his 54 goals for Liverpool opened the scoring in their first European Cup triumph in 1977.