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Belfast Live
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Gareth Fullerton

Liverpool FC manager Jurgen Klopp meets Irish League legend at Anfield

An Irish League legend got to rub shoulders with Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp at Anfield on Saturday.

Former Portadown, Glentoran and Lisburn Distillery ace Peter McCann was in attendance as the Reds came from behind to claim a draw against Aston Villa.

Bobby Firmino got the home side's late equaliser after Jacob Ramsey had given Villa a first-half lead.

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McCann might be into his 40s but he continues to star in the Mid Ulster Football League for Oxford Sunnyside where he is player/coach.

His club said on Facebook: "Jurgen Klopp was delighted to finally meet Irish League and local legend Peter McCann yesterday.

"Jurgen insisted on getting a photo with our 1st team player/coach and asked for some insight into the winning of Silverware this season."

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp with Peter McCann (Facebook: Oxford Sunnyside FC)

Speaking to Match on Tuesday last year, Sunnyside boss Paddy McCrory hailed the influence of McCann.

He said: “Peter is the driving force behind us. He is such a top pro. Everything in terms of his preparation, his training, the way he conducts himself.

“Peter is 40 years of age and he is an example to everyone at the club. It is quite surreal how he continues performing to the levels he does.

“Even now, he hasn’t come to Mid Ulster football to serve his time out. He’s here to win and he is a massive part of what we are doing at Oxford Sunnyside.

Peter McCann in action for Lisburn Distillery in 2010 (Image: Inpho)

“Even in training, the standards are so high. And Peter is the driving force behind it. He is intense, but he just wants the team to do well.

“He sets an example in how he trains and plays, and to be honest he is probably the best player on the pitch every week. He performs at such a high level and is a pleasure to manage.

“And when you have won a Premiership title it proves you have a winning mentality, and Peter has never lost that. And you want that to rub off on the rest of the lads.

“Having someone like Peter in the changing room is invaluable.”

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