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Merseyside derby the perfect send-off for Ronnie Moran - Robbie Fowler

Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler has said the weekend's Merseyside derby at Anfield will provide a fitting send-off for former captain and assistant manager Ronnie Moran.

Moran, who served Liverpool in a variety of capacities for almost half a century, died at the age of 83 last week.

A minute's applause was held prior to Saturday's LFC Foundation legends charity match between Liverpool and Real Madrid.

Further tributes are set to take place when Everton visit in the Premier League on Saturday lunchtime.

And Fowler, who broke into the side as an 18-year-old in 1993 while Moran was assistant to Graeme Souness, said: "I'm actually quite glad it's against Everton, the next game.

"I think the Everton fans, when things like this happen, they are so respectful as well.

"I'm not saying anyone else isn't but, the fact is that I think he was involved in almost 100 Merseyside derbies throughout his career. I think the Everton fans will appreciate that as well.

"It is terribly sad, but I couldn't think of a better game really for the next game and hopefully his family will all be there and the Everton fans will get right behind the family, and certainly Liverpool fans will, because he deserves an absolutely unbelievable send-off.

"He will get that at a Liverpool-Everton game."

Moran made 379 appearances for Liverpool between 1952 and 1968 and then moved onto the coaching staff, retaining a position until his retirement in 1998.

He was one of the famous Anfield Boot Room coaches and played an influential role under managers Bill Shankly, Bob Paisley, Joe Fagan, Kenny Dalglish, Souness and Roy Evans.

Moran also had two spells as caretaker boss.