JASON McATEER

POSITION : DEFENDER / MIDFIELDER RIGHT / CENTRE

BORN: Birkenhead 18.6.71.

TRANSFER FEE: £4,500,000 (from Bolton Wanderers, October 1995).

GAMES: 37 (3).

GOALS: 3.

HONOURS: Republic of Ireland B, 18 Full caps.

OTHER CLUBS: Marine, Bolton Wanderers.

INFO :

McAteer was playing for Marine Reserves when he was discovered by former Liverpool player Phil Neal, who was then manager of Bolton. McAteer moved to Bolton, then struggling in the lower divisions, and became an important part of the Bolton team which gained promotion eventually to the Premiership under Bruce Rioch. Despite being born in Merseyside, McAteer gained a call-up to the Republic of Ireland squad. He made several appearances in the USA 94 World Cup, impressing as a wide right midfielder.

Already McAteer was linked with Liverpool, and it was no secret that McAteer was an avid Liverpool fan. He stayed at Bolton for another season, appearing against Liverpool in the 1995 Coca Cola Cup Final. However, his devotion to Liverpool was such that he was on the Kop for the last home game before it's demolition prior to rebuilding - fortunately Bolton didn't have a game that day! Finally, after more than a year of speculation, McAteer signed for Liverpool in September 1995.

Initially, McAteer was thought to be competing for a central midfield place, and he made his initial appearances in this position. However, he looked out of place, without the free role he had been given at Bolton. Coach Ronnie Moran set about converting McAteer to a right wingback and it is this position that he has made his mark, even forcing Rob Jones to move to left wingback to accomodate the two players in the same side. McAteer scored his first Liverpool goal in an FA Cup tie against Rochdale and he scored another two in the FA Cup run which took Liverpool to Wembley. However, McAteer is still awaiting his first silverware with his new club as Liverpool lost the 1996 Cup final in a disappointing game against Manchester United.

With his obvious enthusiasm and devotion to the cause, McAteer became an instant favourite at Anfield and, especially with Rob Jones facing a long layoff, he seems assured of holding down a place in the side for a fair time, despite a quiet start for the 1996/97 season.

PICTURE :

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