Rarely has a footballer ever played as little as Howard Gayle did for Liverpool but left such an indelible mark on a football club.

Gayle made just five appearances for Liverpool but left a unique legacy on and off the pitch.

As a player, he is remembered for a superb substitute performance in the semi-final second leg of the 1981 European Cup, away at Bayern Munich.

After a goalless draw at Anfield, Liverpool travelled to the Olympiastadion looking to reach their third European Cup final in five years, but they suffered a blow in the ninth minute as Kenny Dalglish was forced off through injury.

Gayle replaced him in attack and set about causing problems for the opposition during his 61 minutes on the pitch, before being substituted for fear of him being sent off.

Liverpool would progress thanks to the away goals rule after a 1-1 draw, and Gayle would take his place on the bench for the final as the Reds lifted the trophy in Paris against Real Madrid.

Without the 22-year-old’s impact in Munich, Bob Paisley‘s side may never have reached the final, but Gayle holds a unique position in the...