Robbie Threlfall admitted it was an emotional day facing Rotherham following the sudden death of Gary Ablett only hours before.

The former Liverpool and Everton defender, who lost his 16-month fight with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, was Threlfall’s reserve-team coach at Anfield for three years.

“I was devastated,” he admitted. “He mentored me through Liverpool from the day that I signed.

“It’s a real tragedy and my thoughts go to his family.

“Gary was a great guy as well as a good player.

“He was one of the good guys at Liverpool and stuck by me through some tough times. I’ve got a lot to thank him for.”