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A BBC reporter got quite the shock as he interviewed members of the public ahead of this afternoon's Merseyside derby.

The Beeb's man was asking older punters whether they remembered the 1967 clash between the city rivals, an FA Cup fifth round tie at Goodison Park which was beamed back to Anfield.

He hit the jackpot when one gentleman answered, "I do. I played in it!"

It was ex-Reds goalkeeper Tommy Lawrence, who represented Liverpool between 1957 and 1971.

In pictures: Liverpool train ahead of the derby

He became a firm fan favourite among the Anfield faithful, acquiring the nickname 'the flying pig' due to his ability to dive around the penalty area, despite his 14 stone frame.

"It was a great game," Tommy recalled. "Alan Ball scored the winner."

Follow today's Merseyside derby LIVE right here.

(Image: Getty)

The video of the exchange became an instant hit on Facebook, and Tommy's son Lawrence said his dad would be "made up" by the reaction.

He wrote: "You don't really hear many comments about him its usually the forwards like [Ian] St John or Roger [Hunt], sometimes you don't think he gets the recognition he deserved so to hear all the great words is amazing and he wont believe all these when I show him.

"Thank you for the great comments my old man will be made up."

(Image: Mirrorpix)

Liverpool travel to Goodison Park in today's tea-time kick-off, in what will be Steven Gerrard's last derby before he jets off to Los Angeles in the summer.

You will be able to follow all the action LIVE on MirrorFootball.