Liverpool squad penpix

Pen pictures of the Liverpool players likely to comprise the squad for Saturday's English premier league match against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday:

David James, goalkeeper. Aged 26. Is going through a poor spell which almost cost Liverpool victory against Newcastle last month and contributed to Liverpool losing to Coventry and Paris St Germain this month. Has just won his first England cap.

Steve Harkness, defender, 25. Was out for almost a year after breaking leg at Coventry last April. Has recently come back into the side where his fierce tackling and accurate passing have proved an asset.

Bjorn Kvarme, defender, 24. Joined Liverpool from Rosenborg in January and has looked solid and reliable, adding a harder edge to the backline.

Dominic Matteo, defender, 22. Born in Scotland but grew up in Liverpool and on the verge of senior England honours. Has caught the eye with some commanding performances in the centre of defence. Made his debut in the 1993-94 season and had a spell on loan at Sunderland.

Mark Wright, defender, 33. Despite his advancing years has had an excellent season and is still capable of giving most of his attacking opponents a tough battle. Joined Liverpool from Derby for 2.2 million pounds in 1991 and captained the side to victory in the 1992 F.A. Cup Final.

Neil Ruddock, defender, 28. An unhappy season which has seen him sidelined through injury and loss of form could end with a move to first division Portsmouth where he could link up with his old Tottenham boss Terry Venables.

Phil Babb, defender, 26. Ireland international who has made only three appearances since Christmas, largely forced out because of Matteo's and Wright's partnership. Quick-footed, skilful player who cost Liverpool 3.6 million pounds when they signed him from Coventry in September 1994.

Stig-Inge Bjornebye, defender/midfielder. 27. Quietly effective Norwegian who was largely confined to the reserves and the sidelines in his four years at Anfield -- until this season. Broke his leg in April 1995 just days after Liverpool won the League Cup but now, finally free of all the niggling injuries that plagued his career, he has established himself in the first team and has had an excellent season.

Jason McAteer, midfielder, 25. Liverpool-born Ireland international who scored his first league goal for Liverpool in the 2-1 win at Arsenal on March 24, reward for some tireless work wide in midfield. A lifelong Liverpool fan who started his career at Bolton. Moved to Liverpool from there for 4.5 million pounds in September 1995.

Michael Thomas, midfielder, 29. Scored the goal that clinched the title for Arsenal at Liverpool in May 1989, then moved to Liverpool in 1991. A Londoner who spent seven seasons with the Gunners.

John Barnes, midfielder, 33. Club captain who joined Liverpool from Watford for 900,000 pounds almost 10 years ago. One of the best players of his generation. The lightning runs down the wing have gone -- now he orchestrates Liverpool's attacks from midfield although his goal haul has dwindled dramatically.

Jamie Redknapp, midfielder, 23. Talk of him leaving Anfield which made continual headlines earlier in the season has now stopped. He has regained his place and is playing some of the best football of his career. Has scored only once in the league this season but has created plenty for the front men.

Steve McManaman, midfielder/forward, 25. On his day a devastating match-winner whose direct runs at defences can cause panic for the opposition. Developed by Liverpool and has the potential to be one of the best players in the country but needs to be more consistent at the highest level.

Patrick Berger, midfielder/forward, 23. Made a dramatic impact scoring five goals in three successive games last September but has scored only three times since then and been in and out of the team. The Czech's left-foot can leave the opposition floundering and is deadly accurate from both short and long-range.

Stan Collymore, striker, 26. Powerful, aggressive and effective in front of goal, he has had a strange season, being dropped on several occasions but often bouncing back to prove his detractors wrong. Joined Liverpool for the then British transfer record of 8.5 million pounds from Nottingham Forest in July, 1995.

Robbie Fowler, striker, 22. Including his first goal for England has now scored 30 times this season. Arguably the best English striker since Jimmy Greaves 30 years ago. FIFA general secretary Sepp Blatter praised him for his honesty over a controversial penalty award given in Liverpool's favour in last month's match against Arsenal. Fowler told the referee he had not been fouled and the penalty should not be given.

Copyright - Reuters