He also spells danger to goalkeepers from anywhere around the box and, with one such strike against Sheffield Wednesday, he sent a 30-yard shot crashing into the net off both posts with such force that the 'keeper never stood a chance. That then is his forte. An excellent passer of the ball, who always seems to have plenty of time and space, he thrived on a central defensive role in 1997-98, showing fine form and being second choice as captain when Gareth Southgate was unavailable. Just as effective as a wing back, or in midfield, he also had a relatively injury-free season, missing a few games because of a jarred knee and then a hamstring injury, but was a regular for the Republic. Stop Press: Re-joined Liverpool on 2 July under the Bosman ruling.