'McAllister made me a better player and person' - Gerrard

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Gary McAllister played for Liverpool 87 times, but you'd be forgiven for thinking it was at least triple that.

The affection that is held for him by supporters of the club runs deep, with the dynamic Scottish midfielder regarded as one of the most shrewd signings in the club's history, helping them win a Treble in 2001.

McAllister is featured in BBC Scotland's Icons of Football series, taking an in-depth look at his storied career for club and country.

When McAllister arrived at Anfield, aged 35, there were some eyebrows raised in and around the club, particularly by a young Steven Gerrard.

"It wasn't really in the news, it wasn't a big story, and he wasn't considered a big target at the time," the Reds legend tells BBC Scotland.

"It was when Gary walked in the door [that I found out].

"And obviously, someone in my position as well, I was a bit like, 'Oh, hang on a minute, what's going on here?'

"I didn't know how to take it.

"When he arrived, I thought he was a threat for my position, because I knew he was a top player, but from day one, from the first conversation we connected, he had time for me. Went out of his way to help me."

Over the next couple of years, McAllister would act as an extension of Gerard Houllier's coaching staff on the pitch, as Gerrard puts it, and guided a squad of raw players such as Jamie Carragher, Michael Owen, and Danny Murphy to multiple trophies.

"We were a gang of toe-rags, shall we say," Gerrard adds.

"He brought calmness to the dressing room, big-game knowledge, a lot of wisdom.

"Gary was vital for me, he certainly helped me both on and off the pitch become a better professional, a better person.