Liverpool FC has never had a Brazilian player appear in a World Cup but that looks set to change at Russia 2018 as Roberto Firmino is very much in his manager's plans.

“I can see Firmino playing with Gabriel Jesus,” said Brazil boss Tite. “Firmino is originally a 10 who always played with a nine. He is a 10 who learned how to play a nine. Brazil has lacked alternatives in previous World Cups and it cost us big."

If, as expected, 'Bobby' does play in Russia he will become the fifth South American Red to feature in a World Cup with LFC having previously sent a pair of Argentineans and a pair of Uruguayans to South Africa 2010 and Brazil 2014 respectively (although we have had one North American Red with goalkeeper Brad Friedel playing once for USA at France 1998).

Javier Mascherano

Javier Mascherano and Maxi Rodriguez made nine appearances between them for Argentina in 2010 and reached the quarter-finals only to be on the end of a surprise 4-0 hammering by Germany in Cape Town. Even so, they made history by becoming Liverpool's FC's first World Cup South Americans and it was Mascherano who led Argentina into the tournament, captaining Diego Maradona's team.

Luis Suarez

Four years later and we had Luis Suarez and Sebastian Coates involved at Brazil 2014. Suarez had scored 31 Premier League goals for LFC that season and missed Uruguay's first game through injury only to make a huge impact in the second group game against England.

He scored twice to condemn an England side featuring six LFC players – Steven Gerrard, Jordan Henderson, Daniel Sturridge, Glen Johnson, Raheem Sterling and substitute Rickie Lambert – to a 2-1 defeat in a match Adam Lallana also played in before he was a Liverpool FC player.

Suarez holds the distinction of being the only South American Red to have scored in a World Cup.

Although don't be surprised if Bobby Firmino adds his name to that list when he does his thing for Brazil this summer!