Mersey XIs: Jason McAteer's 1990s

Each former Red was given a decade from which they chose their strongest all-Merseyside line-up and Ian St John, Alan Kennedy and Gary Gillespie have given us theirs. Evertonians like Alan Ball, Bob Latchford, Kevin Ratcliffe and Peter Reid have all featured.

Jason McAteer was born in Birkenhead and he was a boyhood Red who began his playing career with Bolton before making the switch to Anfield in 1995. He made exactly 100 league appearances for Liverpool and he brings us the Reds and Blues from the 1990s.

Neville Southall

"The choices I've got are David James, John Achterberg and maybe a couple of others but seeing as he was still there for the Blues I've got to go with Nev," said McAteer. "He was simply one of the best goalkeepers around at the time." Southall made more appearances for the Blues than any other player in the history of the club. He was between the sticks for Everton 750 times in all competitions. Brian Labone, in second, played 534.

Rob Jones

Jones was a Red since childhood and his grandfather, Bill Jones, had been on Liverpool's books from 1946-54, playing 277 games. Jones was Liverpool's most exciting full-back for years, using his skill and speed to cause trouble in opposing ranks. He remained in the starting XI until 1996 when injuries stopped his career.

Dave Watson

Dave Watson was a tough and dependable Everton centre-half. He turned out in royal blue on no fewer than 419 occasions in the league after signing in 1986. During his first season at the club he played 35 times as Everton regained the league title in 1987. "He was such a reliable player for the Blues throughout his career," added McAteer.

Mark Wright

Mark Wright had been one of England's best performers during the World Cup in 1990 and Souness brought him to Anfield to become Liverpool's defensive lynchpin the following year. In the absence of Ronnie Whelan, Wright was named Liverpool captain for the 1992 FA Cup final and he lifted the trophy at the end of his first full season. Wright was a master of bringing the ball out of defence and he was dominant in the air. 

Stig Inge Bjornebye

Souness signed Bjornebye after he scored the winning goal in a Norwegian Cup final in 1992. The full-back's Anfield career hit peak form during the 1996-97 campaign when the team finally mounted a serious assault on the title, failing in the last stages. He got down the wing and delivered pin-point passes into the penalty area providing plenty of goals for Fowler and Collymore. 

Steve McManaman

"What made Macca great was his contribution with the ball," said McAteer. "His dribbling and the ability he had to create the chances for his teammates coupled with the fact that he was such an athlete, meant he was one of the best around at the time." Macca, who was an Everton supporter as a youngster, arrived at Liverpool as a 14-year-old. Ian Rush was once asked to name the most promising player in Liverpool's ranks and he replied, 'Steve McManaman'.

Michael Thomas

"David Thompson played in the middle for us now and again. We had Redknapp and Ince as well but it's going to be Micky Thomas for me," said McAteer. "He was very dependable and he wouldn't give the ball away. He had a great attitude and was a real pro." Thomas scored a tremendous goal in the FA Cup final versus Sunderland at the end of his first season in 1992. 

John Barnes

An awesome blend of strength and skill, Barnes ensured a front row seat in the Kemlyn Road or Paddock was one of the hottest tickets in town. A stunning free-kick against Oxford on his home debut – an occasion delayed three weeks due to a collapsed sewer under the Kop – was followed by a superb solo strike against QPR. Not many sighst in world football have been finer than John Barnes, in his pomp, gliding down the wing.

Andrei Kanchelskis

"He was at United first before Everton and he was a quality player," said McAteer. "He was just very quick and very direct and he was a constant threat. And obviously, playing with Duncan, he was the supply line which created the danger and created problems for the opposition." Kanchelskis was only at Goodison for a year before making the switch to Fiorentina. He played 52 league games in that time and scored 20 goals - an impressive haul for a midfielder.

Duncan Ferguson

"He was so difficult to play against," said McAteer. "At times it was horrible because he was so aggresive and physical but at the end of the day, Dunc was one of those players who had that never-say-die attitude. He was a winner and he'd do anything to win. It wasn't a case of 'hatred' for Liverpool with him, it was a real passion for Everton and that came out more in the derby than other games. And I think the crowds whipped him up into a frenzy as well."

Robbie Fowler

"I'd have Robbie in there because I think that, since Jimmy Greaves, he's been England's most natural and gifted goalscoring centre-forward," said McAteer. What Fowler lacked in pace and height, he made up for with an uncanny ability to sniff out goals. Close-range tap-ins or 25-yard super strikes, he was wonderfully adept at both. Christened 'God' by the Kop, Fowler remains one of the most revered players in Anfield history.