Defender who held Liverpool's youngest player record for 36 years dies

Liverpool have paid tribute to Max Thompson - who held their youngest player record for 36 years - following his death at the age of 66.

The defender was 17 years and 129 days old when Bill Shankly handed him his debut in a First Division match against Tottenham in May 1974.

The record stood until May 2010 when 16-year-old Jack Robinson played for the Reds against Hull in the Premier League.

Liverpool-born Thompson played just one more senior game for the club - against Real Sociedad in the 1975-76 UEFA Cup - before carving out a league career which saw stints at Blackpool, Swansea City and Bournemouth.

Thompson also spent loan spells with Dallas Tornado and Seattle Sounders in the North American Soccer League (NASL) between 1977 and 1980, later playing for Baltimore Blast. Thompson also played for clubs in Portugal and Sweden.

He rounded off his playing career in non-league with Newport County and Southport, before managing Knowsley United.

After hanging up his boots, Thompson took a football injuries course at Lilleshall and worked for Liverpool in the 1990s as a physiotherapist.

'The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Max's family and friends at this difficult time,' Liverpool said in their tribute.