Damian Lewis has joked how he was attracted to football drama Will to meet famous footballers.

The Band Of Brothers star, who plays Liverpool fan Gareth, had hoped to meet Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher, who make cameos in the film.

"[It was] the thought that I might meet Stevie Gerrard, and I blew it. Sadly I didn't get to meet Stevie or Jamie Carragher," he said.

Damian - who currently stars in new US series Homeland - also quipped he got Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish on board too.

"I persuaded Kenny Dalglish to take the part and then even though I didn't get to work with him on the film, I got to know him beforehand. Then when I was up in Manchester, he invited me to watch a game," he added.

As a Liverpool fan himself, it wasn't too difficult to put himself into Gareth's shoes: "I didn't do it because I'm a big Liverpool fan, I did it because it's a charming story. It was already written in, and unspecifically chosen. Although it would have been a big challenge if it was another football team, as it was very easy chanting Liverpool songs."

The 40-year-old says non-footy fans will still enjoy the "buddy-buddy road movie", which also stars newcomer Perry Eggleton alongside Bob Hoskins and is in cinemas on November 11.

"It's not really a film about Liverpool or football, it's a charming fairytale about a little boy realising his dreams. I thought it was enchanting and sentimental," he explained.