Lonergan describes Liverpool’s squad as the most down to earth group he has been part of during two decades in football

At some point in the next few months, when the Premier League trophy is lifted and the celebrations begin, Andy Lonergan will emerge from the shadows and share the limelight.

There will be those who raise an eyebrow, wondering how the journeyman from stints at the likes of Preston North End, Leeds United, Bolton Wanderers and Middlesbrough has managed to gatecrash the party.

Why a goalkeeper whose last competitive game came in March 2019, on loan with Rochdale in a League One victory over Scunthorpe United, is suddenly rubbing shoulders on the podium with Mohamed Salah and Jürgen Klopp.

But those within Liverpool recognise his contribution. They will welcome the veteran of more than 350 league appearances with open arms as a team-mate who never