Profile

Dominic Matteo was born in Scotland with English parents and Italian grandparents.

He was first spotted by Liverpool scouts when playing for Birkdale United and he took the eye of Kenny Dalglish while he was watching his son Paul in action. Matteo joined Liverpool's School of Excellence with another 11-year-old - Robbie Fowler.

He made his Liverpool debut at Manchester City in October 1993 where he played on the left of midfield. Over the next couple of seasons he played in a variety of roles including left back, centre back and also in the midfield. He didn't have a set position in the side as the Liverpool staff went about working out which position would suit him best.

He then suffered from injury problems and in the following seasons he was unable to make the impact on the international stage that many felt his talent deserving of.

Gérard Houllier saw him as a left back in his Liverpool restructuring plans, issuing a firm 'hands off' warning to any club thinking of launching a bid for his talented defender. The 1999-2000 season promises to be vital for Matteo in terms of establishing himself as a regular in the side, and a good end to the 1998-99 season along with an encouraging start to the following campaign suggested that, after a number of years on the fringes of the Liverpool team, he had finally made the big breakthrough and was in the side to stay.

However, with Houllier opting for the experience of Staunton at left back, Dominic was once more faced with a fight to re-establish himself.

In the summer of 2000 he was transferred to Leeds United and went on to gain international recognition with Scotland.

Other Clubs:

Leeds United, Sunderland, Blackburn Rovers, Stoke City