Past playersVladimir Smicer

The attacking midfielder, who was capable of playing on either wing or in a central creative position, was recruited by Gerard Houllier during the summer of 1999 partly to fill the void left by Steve McManaman's exit.

Injuries hampered Smicer's first campaign at Anfield but with a year's experience of English football he improved throughout the treble season of 2000-01, contributing seven goals and starting both the League Cup and FA Cup finals.

Lack of consistency and equally a lack of fortune was an overriding issue in his progress with Liverpool but the midfielder's technique was never in question – he possessed an eye for a goal as well as the vision to complete a defence-splitting pass.

A genuine nice-guy who was warmly appreciated by his teammates and who produced breathtaking feats of skill in training sessions, Smicer scored a brilliant and famous winning volley against Chelsea in 2002.

Often introduced as a substitute or withdrawn when he did feature from the beginning of matches, Smicer's appearance totals dropped considerably during Houllier's final two years at the helm.

He did, though, add a fourth winner's medal to his collection with the Reds after victory over Manchester United in the 2003 League Cup showpiece. More, much more indeed, was still to come.

Another injury disrupted his preparations for Rafael Benitez's maiden campaign on Merseyside but the attacker made a comeback just in time to deliver his greatest impact in a Liverpool jersey.

Replacing Harry Kewell during the early stages of the Champions League final against AC Milan, Smicer blasted home the second goal of the Reds' famous comeback and then coolly slotted away his spot-kick in the shootout.

He knew before the historic encounter in Istanbul that it would be his last match for the club but concluded his time with a poignant kiss of the badge that resonated with supporters.