Liverpool loaned him back to his previous club to keep him fit while they sorted out the problems, and at one stage it looked as though the move may be scuppered completely.

The Reds had their initial work permit application rejected by the Department of Employment, as he had not played in 75 per cent of the Czech Republic's internationals over the past two years. Liverpool won their appeal due to his 'outstanding talent'.

At Banik, he was nicknamed the 'Ostravan Maradona', which gives some indication of how highly he is rated.

Baros joined fellow Czech stars Patrik Berger and Vladimir Smicer at Anfield, and said: 'I'm glad that a club from England wants me, especially a club as famous as Liverpool.'

The starlet scored in his first two internationals and would seem to have a great future ahead of him.

Caretaker manager Phil Thompson told the club's official website: 'He is a very talented young boy and he will be a great asset to this club for many years. He has pace, skill and plenty of goalscoring ability.

'We needed to bring in an extra striker and we are very pleased to have won our appeal. The panel obviously agreed with us that he is very much a player for the future. I am sure he will be extremely happy with today's news.

'He already has two friends at the club - Vladimir Smicer and Patrik Berger - and that should help him settle quickly.'

His progress was initially hampered by a ruling about the number of non-EU players a team could name in their 16-man squad for a game. His only appearance in his first season was as a late substitute in a 0-0 draw at Barcelona in the Champions League.

However, the relaxation of the rules for the 2002/03 season increased his first team opportunities. Featured in the first game of that campaign, a 1-0 FA Community Shield defeat against Arsenal.