Blackburn's David Thompson (MatthewAshton/Empics)

Had made his debut for the Reds as a late substitute in a 2-0 home win over Arsenal in August 1996. Played only one more game before being loaned to First Division Swindon Town for three months.

The Birkenhead-born player's impressive form with the Robins earned him a chance back at Anfield, and he repaid the faith with the late winner against Crystal Palace in April of that season.

The 1999/2000 campaign finally saw the midfielder break into the Liverpool squad on a regular basis, but Thompson was eager for a place in the starting XI but knew he would have to go elsewhere for that.

Played 56 games for Liverpool, only 31 of those from the start, scoring five goals.

A very hard-working and attack-minded player who has made an impact at England Under-21 level, Thompson operates well in a wide position and - in the best Liverpool traditions - is an excellent user of the ball. Loves to get amongst the goals as well.

Moved to Coventry in the summer of 2000 and his debut came in a 3-1 home defeat at the hands of Middlesbrough - and it was worse for the player himself as he was sent off.

Couldn't help to stop the Sky Blues being relegated that season and immediately speculation grew that he would earn a move back into the Premiership.

As it was, Thompson would have to spend a season in the Nationwide League, and as Coventry failed to win promotion at the first attempt their money worries always made it likely he would be sold.

Blackburn Rovers finally concluded weeks of negotiations by signing the player for a bargain £1.5million at the end of August 2002. The fee could rise to £2.5million based on appearances as Thompson penned a four-year deal.

The player had played 72 games for Coventry, scoring 16 goals.

His initial impact at Rovers was inspirational. After making his debut in a 1-0 defeat at Middlesbrough he would score on his following two appearances against Chelsea and at Manchester City.

The player's energy and drive would cause no end of problems to Rovers' Premiership opponents. The challenge of top flight football had clearly given Thompson the hunger to succeed.

A further, vital goal in the UEFA Cup tie in Sofia continued the dream for the Birkenhead born star - already a firm favourite among the Ewood Park faithful.

Thompson's meteoric rise from the cover of the First Division to Premiership stardom was complete just six weeks after his move to Rovers as Sven Goran Eriksson named him in the England squad for the Euro 2004 qualifiers against Slovakia and Macedonia - a replacement for the injured Trevor Sinclair.