DOMINIC MATTEO

Personal Stats
DOB: 25th April 1974
Birthplace: Scotland
Height: 6'1"


Profile
Versatile defender Dominic Matteo became the third signing of the close season just three days prior to the 2000/2001 kick off when he signed from Liverpool in a £4.25M switch, following Olivier Dacourt and Mark Viduka into Elland Road.
Although the medical highlighted a slight problem with a knee injury, a restructured deal with his former club allowed the transfer to go through, although the injury delayed his career in a white shirt.
Dominic finally made his debut a month after signing in the 1-0 Champions League triumph over AC Milan at Elland Road.
He then went on to grab his first goal for his new club in the 6-0 drubbing of Besiktas a week later, and celebrated a tremendous seven days with his call up to the Scotland squad for two World Cup qualifiers.
Matteo was born in Scotland with English parents and Italian grandparents. He was first spotted by Liverpool scouts playing for Birkdale United when he took the eye of Kenny Dalglish.
Matteo joined Liverpool's School of Excellence with another eleven year old - Robbie Fowler. and made his Liverpool debut at Manchester City in October 1993 where he played on the left of midfield.
Over the next couple of seasons he played in a variety of roles including left back, centre back and also in the midfield. He didn't have a set position in the side as the Liverpool staff went about working out which position would suit him best.
He started the 1995-96 season as a sweeper and excelled to the extent that he was handed his first international call up for England. Unfortunately his subsequent England call-ups coincided with injury problems, but that has now lead the way to his decision to switch allegiances to Scotland.

Career Stats:

Squad No. 21

Position: Centre Back

Date Signed: Signed 15th August 2000

Signed from: Liverpool

Transfer fee: £4,250,000

International Honours: England U-21

Previous Clubs: Liverpool