Stephen Warnock graduated from the Liverpool Academy and his progress was rewarded when he was called up to train full-time with the first team squad at Melwood in 2001.

He then had loan spells with Bradford City and Coventry City - where he won the Supporters Player of the Year - before his big chance arrived. He was given his long-awaited debut by manager Rafa Benitez in the Champions League qualifier against Graz in August 2004.

The Ormskirk star started out in central midfield but matured into a good left sided player, either at left back or left midfield in the following years.

Mark Hughes then swooped to sign the defender for Blackburn from the Reds during the January 2007 transfer window. He quickly established himself as a firm favourite among the fans.

Impressive displays throughout the 2007-08 campaign saw Warnock earn a senior call-up for his country where he picked up his first cap as a substitute in England's friendly 3-0 win over Trinidad & Tobago.

The 2008-09 season saw him produce some impressive performances in the centre of midfield as well as his more familiar spot at left back, winning the Blackburn Player of the Season Award.

After an impressive campaign with club side Aston Villa this season, Stephen has been selected in Fabio Capello's World Cup squad and will wear the number 13 shirt in South Africa.