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Graeme Souness gave Redknapp his
Liverpool debut the following October in a tough away UEFA Cup match against
Auxerre in France. At the time Redknapp was the youngest Liverpool player
to have appeared in Europe (a record beaten by Phil Charnock the following
season). Redknapp's League debut came in December when he scored the equaliser
at Southampton after coming on as substitute.
When Roy Evans took over as manager
in January 1994 Redknapp was initially rested as Ronnie Whelan was recalled
to the side. Then, after being in the starting line-up at the beginning
of the 1994/95 season, Redknapp was left out again to accommodate the third
central defender when Liverpool changed to 3-5-2. However, Redknapp soon
forced himself into the team and formed a partnership in central midfield
with John Barnes. With a settled side in the new formation Redknapp was
a member of the 1995 Coca Cola Cup winning team, his first trophy with
the club.
At the beginning of the 1995/96 season
Redknapp's excellent form earned him an England call-up. Redknapp had already
made 18 U-21 appearances, captaining the side on several occasions and
even scoring a hat-trick. However, while on International duty he picked
up an injury which kept him out of the side for several months. Liverpool
embarked on a long unbeaten run with Michael Thomas deputising for the
injured Redknapp. Redknapp was controversially recalled for the FA Cup
semi-final against Aston Villa, and he kept his place for the FA Cup final
defeat by Manchester United.
Redknapp was in the England Euro
96 squad but he picked up another injury which sidelined him for the beginning
of the 1996/97 season. Although highly regarded outside the club, Redknapp
has his critics amongst Liverpool fans who regard him as failing to realise
his potential. Others see him as an important part of Liverpool's future
however, and he has pledged to fight to get his place back in the side.
This season see Redknapp as good
as he will ever get. He scores almost all the time from freekicks. But
is still hit with leg problems.
BORN: Barton-on-Sea 25.6.1973.
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