Liverpool great, starred abroad, revered on Tyneside

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Keegan – who had suffered from bronchitis, with his parents told he would never be able to play sport – attended St Peter’s School in Cantley. Keegan was almost late for his debut against Nottingham Forest when he was held up in traffic around Anfield and his Ford Cortina stopped by a police roadblock, the officer not convinced by the young Yorkshireman’s tale of being Liverpool’s latest recruit.

It was to be Keegan’s 323rd and last appearance for Liverpool, his mind made up to move abroad. Keegan made his senior England debut in 1972 in a World Cup qualifier against Wales at Ninian Park.

Keegan was overlooked by England’s new boss Bobby Robson as he finished his international career with 63 caps, scoring 21 goals. Keegan’s family revealed in January 2026 that he had been diagnosed with cancer, which later spread to stage four.