STEVE STAUNTON

POSITION : DEFENDER LEFT/CENTRE

BORN: Drogheda 19.1.1969.
TRANSFER FEE: Free (from Dundalk, August 1986).
HONOURS: Division One 1989/90; FA Cup 1988/9; Republic of Ireland Under-21, 62 Full caps.
OTHER CLUBS: Dundalk, Bradford City (loan), Aston Villa.

APPEARANCES : 171

GOALS : 13

INFO :

Irish lad Staunton played Gaelic Football as a boy, even winning a Championship medal, but he was also a footballer and he was one of a clutch of youngsters brought to Liverpool under Kenny Dalglish. He arrived from Irish club Dundalk in July 1986 and he initially spent a couple of years in the reserves.

At the beginning of the 1988/89 Staunton was brought into the first-team as injuries forced Dalglish to use several youngsters. Staunton made his debut as a substitute in a home draw against Spurs in September 1988, making his first start in a League Cup tie against Walsall after a second substitute appearance. The following month he made his International debut despite having never completed 90 minutes in his four Liverpool appearances. Staunton finished the season as Liverpool's regular left-back and he played in the FA Cup final victory over Everton in May.

Staunton missed the start of the next season, but he came into the side for a League Cup tie against Wigan, scoring a hat-trick in the second leg, which was played at Anfield although it was technically the away tie. Staunton then played in a variety of roles in Liverpool's 1990 Championship winning side, usually at full-back, but also moving into midfield on occasions.

Staunton lost his place again at the beginning of the 1990/91 season, but he forced his way back into the side. However, as Dalglish came under pressure from sections of the Liverpool support, Staunton was one of the players who came under most criticism. Although good at breaking down the flanks, his crossing was not up to standard, while Dalglish was often playing the youngster in midfield where he did not seem to have the necessary skill. However, once Souness took over as manager, Staunton continued to be a regular selection for the side.

In the summer of 1991 Staunton was one of a number of players cleared out by Souness. Although some were surprised to see a young player released, many felt that getting over a million for a player they felt was not good enough was a good deal. Staunton continued to flourish at his new club Aston Villa and he continued to be a regular in the Republic of Ireland side, appearing in several major finals. Later, as both Liverpool and Aston Villa moved to 3-5-2 systems and Roy Evans replaced Souness as Liverpool manager, Staunton became the subject of frequent transfer speculation, with Liverpool admitting they had tried to bring the Irishman back to Anfield. However, Staunton has been reluctant to return and he has added to his versatilty recently for Villa by playing on the left of Villa's three man defence.

PICTURE :

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