Past playersRob Jones

Just 48 hours after arriving at Anfield for a fee of £300,000, the 19-year-old was thrust into action as he faced Ryan Giggs at Old Trafford. Despite the undoubted pressure on the defender, he performed admirably – a catalyst for his meteoric rise to prominence.

His stunning first campaign with the Reds surpassed all expectations; Jones made 39 appearances at club level, gained his first international cap for England and celebrated FA Cup glory at Wembley.

The Welsh-born player had been earmarked for Euro 1992 that summer but a shin splints problem ruined his plans and required surgery the following season. Similarly unfortunate issues would recur in years to come.

After recovering from the setback, Jones remained a stalwart of the Liverpool defence and his impressive performances were acknowledged by inclusion in the PFA Team of the Year in 1991-92 and again in 1994-95.

Now regularly playing on the left side, Jones held aloft another trophy and collected another medal during the latter season as the Reds overcame Bolton Wanderers in the League Cup final, but disappointment reigned the following year with FA Cup heartbreak against Manchester United.

More worrying news arrived immediately with the diagnosis of cracked vertebrae after a period of extensive back pains for the defender. Six months on the sidelines was ordered.

Jones battled back to wear Liverpool colours 26 times during 1997-98 before serious swelling to his left knee effectively ended his career despite enduring three major operations in an attempt to solve the problem.

His time at Anfield perhaps ended in frustration but those who managed and played with the exciting, dynamic full-back argue to this day that his ability was second-to-none and deserved greater reward.