LFC Academy 08/09

[Jayesh87]

REDS DISCOVER YOUTH CUP OPPONENTS
Paul Hassall 11 December 2008

Liverpool will travel to Bristol Rovers in the fourth round of this season's FA Youth Cup.
Hughie McAuley's side's reward for beating Leeds United in round three is another away trip, this time to the Pirates' Memorial Stadium.

A date for the the fourth round tie has yet to announced.

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drill...81211-1722.htm

[Jayesh87]

Academy football
Hughie McAuley pride as Liverpool under-18s reach halfway point
Dec 18 2008

by James Pearce, Liverpool Echo


COACH Hughie McAuley believes his under-18s can be proud of their efforts during the first half of the season.

The Reds suffered a 3-1 defeat to rivals Manchester United in their final Premier Academy League game of the year at Kirkby, but McAuley insists they will go into 2009 with optimism.

“Going into Christmas there’s a lot to be positive about,” he said. “We’re second in the Academy League and in the next round of the FA Youth Cup, so it’s been a good first half of the season.

“As long as the lads keep their winning mentality, attitude and enthusiasm then there will be a lot to look forward to.

“Our job is to improve them long term and get a couple of these lads to Melwood to work with Gary Ablett.

“We believe we’ve got a few boys making good progress towards achieving that. That’s our ultimate aim towards the end of the season.

“The Youth Cup is a great vehicle for young players to show what they are capable of.”

The Reds were unbeaten in four games going into last weekend but they struggled to contain a slick United side.

Keeper Dean Bouzanis denied David Petrucci early on but was helpless midway through the first half when Oliver Norwood unleashed a sublime dipping effort.

Reds winger Alex Kacaniklic flashed a fierce strike just wide and David Amoo fired straight at keeper Conor Devlin, while at the other end Ravel Morrison’s drive cannoned back off the post.

United doubled their advantage five minutes before the break as Bouzanis’ miss-hit clearance fell to Petrucci and he set up Frederico Macheda.

In the second half Thomas Ince blazed a good chance over before the Reds were given a lifeline when Lauri Dalla Valle converted Joe Kennedy’s cross.

As the Reds pressed for an equaliser, United broke away and wrapped up the points when Morrison rounded Bouzanis.

“It was a disappointing result but a decent game,” McAuley said. “We had good spells but they had more control than we would have liked and they made the most of their opportunities around the penalty box.

“The lads worked really hard and on another day we would have scored a couple more.”

The Reds have a friendly is planned for January 10 - five days before the FA Youth Cup clash with Bristol Rovers.

http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0...name_page.html

[Jayesh87]

Stats, tables and fixtures have all been updated

[red g]

whats some of the highlights of this last night, and i have to say i was impressed - the speed and strength of some of these boys was unreal - and having heard about him before it was the first time i had seen adam pepper! - **** me he ran the show - he just looked like a footballer, confident. composed - i really hope he develops and becomes the real deal.

Alex Kacaniklic was the guy i was really impressed with on a couple fo games i saw. great pace, vision and skill

[Shaggy]

Not Academy but it was played there and I ain't starting a new thread for this

A superb goal from Daniel Pacheco was the highlight of Liverpool Reserves 2-0 win over a strong Preston North End XI in a friendly encounter at the Academy on Monday afternoon.

Gary Ablett's side were full value for their victory against a strong Preston side, and despite their recent struggles in the Barclays Premer Reserve League North the second string end 2008 on a high.

Andras Simon was also on target for the young Reds.

Jay Spearing played in an experimental role just off the front man and pulled the strings as Ablett's side produced some excellent football.

Ryan Crowther created the opening goal for Simon with a pinpoint cross from the right wing which the Hungarian striker converted.

Spanish starlet Pacheco made it 2-0 in the second half after a fine run ended with a sweet finish.

"It was good to end the year with a victory and the lads deserved it," Ablett told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"We played some nice football and passed the ball well. Jay gave us the drive and determination and it worked quite well.

"We said to the lads we wanted an improvement in our performance from the Hull City game and they responded well.

"Both Simon and Pacheco took their goals really well and to be fair we could have scored more in the end."

Liverpool team: Peter Gulacsi (Martin Hansen 70), Stephen Darby, Martin Kelly, Daniel Ayala, Ronald Huth, Steven Irwin, Ryan Crowther (Daniel Pacheco 45), Jay Spearing, Andras Simon (Jordy Brouwer 45), Mikel San Jose, Vincent Weijl (Gerardo Bruna 45).

[Jayesh87]

UNDER-18S BEAT BRISTOL IN CUP THRILLER
Joe Curran at the Memorial Stadium 16 January 2009

Liverpool Under-18s have secured a place in the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup after a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Bristol Rovers at The Memorial Stadium.
Lauri Dalla Valle scored a brace for the Reds, but both goals were cancelled out straight from each restart from lively Bristol striker Eliot Richards.

It was a match of exciting goalmouth action and end-to-end football, but ultimately the tie had to be settled with a penalty shoot-out.

Liverpool scored all four of their spot kicks, but Bristol missed two of theirs to ensure Hughie McAuley's side progressed to the next round.

The result means Liverpool have set up a mouth-watering clash with last year's finalists Chelsea in the fifth round of the competition after the Blues ran home 5-1 winners over Walsall on Wednesday night.

The Reds were forced into a last-minute change when centre-back Daniel Ayala pulled up with a calf injury during the pre-match warm-up. Jack Metcalf came into the starting line-up in place of the Spanish defender and slotted into right-back, while Andre Wisdom moved over into the centre-half berth.

And it seemed that shuffling the pack did Liverpool no favours, as Bristol found their way around the back of the Reds' defence on a number of occasions during the first 20 minutes.

Bristol striker Eliot Richards caused all kinds of problems and came close to scoring with from a series of incisive forays forward.

The Rovers number 10 got the better of Joe Kennedy in the opening minutes to set up a free-kick in a dangerous area. But the Pirates couldn't take advantage of the set piece and fired straight into the Liverpool wall.

Then Richards came in from the right side before taking a touch and firing a speculative effort at Dean Bouzanis, who comfortably collected.

Despite a shaky start, the Reds managed to find some rhythm and got around the back of Bristol's defence through Adam Pepper.

Jinking past the Rovers rearguard and into the penalty area, Pepper slid a dangerous pass across the penalty area, but the ball was cleared just in time by centre-back George Booth.

Then Roves had an excellent chance to open the scoring when Neikell Plummer turned and shot just inside the Reds' penalty area after an excellent knock down. But Plummer mi**** his shot and the ball went three yards wide of Bouzanis' right-hand post.

Liverpool went straight on the attack from the goal kick and came just as close to finding the net themselves through Alex Kacaniklic. Tom Ince picked up the ball in a central position and turned two defenders before laying off, but Kacaniklic's shot flashed just over the bar.

Kacaniklic had another great opportunity to open the scoring four minutes later. The Swede was bearing down on Sam Burgess in the Bristol goal, but the keeper stood his ground and collected his effort with ease.

The match settled down into a more settled pace after the frantic start and, with the pouring rain evidently making for a slippy pitch, both sides took their turn in making a series of unforced errors.

A stand-out performer in the first half, Neikell Plummer came close once again for Bristol Rovers on 33 minutes. The striker's shot was blocked at the last second and went out for a corner.

The Pirates stormed forward forward and really stretched the Liverpool defence on 40 minutes, but Bouzanis pulled off another impressive save

Kacaniklic had an even better chance to score just before the end of the first half. The Swedish forward was again put through on goal, but tried to play a cross instead of going it alone and shooting. The ball trickled across the penalty area and Bristol cleared the danger.

Both sides were quite evenly matched during the opening 45 minutes and would have been disappointed to be going into the break with the scores at 0-0. With that many chances going begging, it seemed that the second half was always going to bring goals - and so it proved to be the case.

The Reds made the better start to the second half and found space through the middle of the Rovers' defence in the opening minutes.

David Amoo went on a long mazy run past two defenders on 52 minutes and forced a corner from a well-hit shot. But the corner was too low and Bristol found safety.

The pressure soon paid off for Liverpool, however, and they broke the deadlock through a Lauri Dalla Valle header on 55 minutes. The Finnish striker was in the right place at the right time and collected a Kacaniklic shot after it rebounded off the bar and straight into his path.

It was a dangerous cross-cum shot from Kacaniklic which had the Rovers keeper well beaten from the left flank, while Dalla Valla did well to stand up and guide the ball home to put the Reds in the lead.

But Liverpool could only enjoy their lead for a matter of seconds as Bristol equalised through Eliot Richards on 57 minutes. The lively hitman struck home from close range after a well-placed flick-down inside the six-yard box.

The two goals certainly injected some life into the Memorial Ground and the end-to-end football of the first period soon returned.

A real threat in the air, Dalla Valle came close to getting a second on 63 minutes from a well-weighted cross. But the Bristol Keeper, who came bounding out from his line, managed to get an unorthodox punch on the ball to clear the danger.

Then David Amoo had a half chance a minute later from a scrappy attack. Liverpool were getting more chances, but the killer touch eluded them.

But Bristol continued to threaten and got another cross across the Liverpool cross with just over 20 minutes to go. There was no one inside the area to take advantage and Hughie McAuley's side were let off the hook.

Amoo was on the attack again on 84 minutes and took the ball past two Bristol defenders before unleashing a shot at the near post. The winger couldn't put the finishing touch to his impressive run and the ball fizzed into the crowd.

Last chance saloon had arrived and Liverpool were given an excellent chance to win the match in stoppage time when they were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the Bristol penalty area.

But Tom Ince hit his shot cleanly but couldn't get enough on it to threaten Sam Burgess in the Bristol goal

Then it was Bristol's turn to have a go from a set piece. But the cross in from the left wing didn't threaten Bouzanis and the keeper comfortably collected.

It was clear that these two teams would need extra-time to settle this one, however, and a period of 20 minutes extra-time was added by referee Brett Huxtable.

The added time had only just got underway when Dalla Valle pounced to put the Reds back in the lead.

Amoo found the Finnish striker with a great through ball, and Dalle Valle made no mistake from seven yards out.

But true to form of any great cup tie, Bristol Rovers equalised yet again through Eliot Richards.

The striker won a penalty after being felled in the area and coolly finished from the spot to level the scores.

It seemed that no matter what Liverpool threw at them, Bristol always gave as good as they got and refused to lie down in this fourth round tie.

Both sides continued to threaten after that, but tiring legs seemed to be showing and no one could carve out a clear chance.

The second period of extra-time started openly, with Bristol getting a half chance within the first few seconds. Bouzanis was on hand to save from the Pirates winger after a dash forward into the Reds' half.

Then Bristol striker Nabi Diallo found himself unmarked in the Liverpool six-yard box, but he seemed surprised to have no one marking him and could only scuff his close-range shot wide.

Slightly more subdued than the rest of the match, Bristol and Liverpool simply ran out of steam towards the end here and, apart from a few speculative long-range shots from both sides, the rest of the play was particularly cagey and punctuated with mi**** passes.

And despite both sides endeavouring to settle this one in open play, the tie had to be decided with a penalty shoot-out .

Steven Irwin was first up to take a spot kick, and smashed the ball down the middle to make sure the Reds got off to a fine start.

Then Dan Cayford made no mistake for Bristol to fire past Bouzanis.

Dalla Valle slotted the ball into the bottom right-hand corner in the next penalty before Ollie Clarke skied over the bar for Bristol.

Nathan Eccleston put the Reds into the lead with a cheeky spot kick where he did a John Aldridge-esque faint before rolling the ball into the bottom right-hand corner. The referee didn't seem impressed, but he'd scored and that was all that mattered.

Neikell Plummer kept the Pirates in it with a well-taken pen but then Joe Kennedy made extra sure when he nearly ripped the net off to score from 12 yards out.

And despite scoring from the spot in open play, Eliot Richards had his spot kick saved by Dean Bouzanis to ensure Liverpool of victory.

Chelsea await Hughie McAuley's side in the next round - what a match that promises to be.

Bristol Rovers: Sam Burgess, Nelson Monhon, Mark Cooper, George Booth (Bowles, 90 +4), Dan Cayford ,James Tyrrell, Jack McKenna (Flower, 90 +4), Ollie Clarke, Neikell Plummer, Eliot Richards, Nabi Diallo.
Unused substitutes: Reeko Best, Taiwo Adebowale, Rob Moore, Steve Kingdon, Chas Hemming.

Liverpool: Dean Bouzanis, Jack Metcalf, Christopher Buchtmann, Andre Wisdom, Joe Kennedy, Steve Irwin, David Amoo, Adam Pepper (Eccleston, 68), Lauri Dalla Valle, Tom Ince, Alex Kacaniklic (Ellison, 77).
Unused substitutes: Alex Cooper, Deale Chamberlain, Michael Roberts.

Booked for Liverpool: Pepper, Wisdom, Irwin.

Booked for Bristol Rovers: Booth, Monhon.

Liverpoolfc.tv man of the match: A threat throughout, David Amoo was involved in everything and had a hand in both of Liverpool's goals.

Attendance: 2,459.

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drill...90115-2246.htm

[Jayesh87]

MCAULEY: KIDS MUST IMPROVE
Joe Curran 16 January 2009

Liverpool Under-18s manager Hughie McAuley admitted he was relieved to be through to the next round of the FA Youth Cup after a nail-biting penalty shoot-out victory over Bristol Rovers last night.

The Reds took the lead twice through Lauri Dalla Valle strikes, but Rovers quickly equalised on each occasion from skilful striker Eliot Richards.

Despite having a series of chances to score and seal the win in the second half, the youngsters needed extra time and penalties to see off Rovers at The Memorial Stadium.

But McAuley insisted there were many positives to take from the game and can't wait to come up against Chelsea in the fifth round of the competition.

"It was one of those games where the play was going to be quite end to end, and as a result we conceded two poor goals," said McAuley.

"We never passed the ball in the way we know we can - the play was quite sloppy at times and there were a lot of careless passes.

"I'm disappointed about a lot of aspects of our performance. We couldn't keep hold of our lead and we failed to keep the game simple - we gave the ball away very carelessly, but we'll learn from that.

"But the good thing was that the spirit was there and we kept playing even when it went into extra time. We've got a lot to work on, though - we haven't played for four or five weeks now and I think that showed a lot against a good Bristol Rovers side.

"It's good to get through this game and we're really looking forward to the match against Chelsea in the next round now - we have a lot of work to do to prepare for that."

Meanwhile, Reds hero of the night Dean Bouzanis, who saved Bristol's final penalty from Eliot Richards, admitted that he had spoken about which way the striker might have put his spot kick with the Under-18s goalkeeping coach, Billy Stewart.

"He beat me from a penalty during open play in the match, but I spoke to Billy at the break in extra-time and he told me to dive to my right, because he was sure he would go that way again," said Bouzanis, who put in an assured performance in goal.

"I went that way and got a strong hand to it so I was very happy about that."

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drill...90116-0843.htm

[Jayesh87]

OWENS' YOUTH CUP VERDICT
John Owens 16 January 2009

In this week's Academy diary John Owens discusses last night's pulsating Youth Cup clash with Bristol Rovers.



I think the only way to start this week's Academy Diary is to reflect on last night's epic Youth Cup encounter with Bristol Rovers.

For most of the week we have been completely focused on the clash with the Pirates and even though the match turned out to be a bit of a struggle for us, I was pleased with the work we did going into the clash.

As ever, cup football is about progress to the next round, and although we were pushed all the way, we managed to hold our nerve in a penalty shoot-out to set up a fifth round meeting with Chelsea at Anfield.



don't think we did ourselves justice in terms of our overall performance, particularly with the talent we have available. We twice took the lead courtesy of Lauri Dalla Valle but each time we were pegged back almost straight from the restart. That's something we need to address and look at before the next round.

But I think we also have to give credit to Bristol Rovers. Ahead of the match we had expressed our concern at what state the pitch might be in. Football and rugby are both played at the Memorial Stadium so we thought it may affect the quality of the surface.



That wasn't the case and we can only applaud Rovers for their spirit and never-say-die attitude.

We feel we can play better and there is no doubt we will have to do that when we face Chelsea in the next round.

To be honest I'm not too familiar with the Blues at this moment in time. All I know is that they have invested heavily in their youth team and it is unlikely that they will have spent so much on players who aren't of the highest calibre.

I remember the last time we played them they had the highly-rated Scott Sinclair on the wing. He has gone on to make a name for himself as one to watch, but on that occasion I remember Stephen Darby marking him out of the game.

Obviously, this tie will involve new faces and it will also take place a week or so after the first-team face them, so it will bring some added spice to the encounter.

The players will also be buoyed by the opportunity to play at Anfield in a competitive game. It is a dream for any youngster at the Academy to play on the famous turf in front of a crowd and now this group know that they will realise it at some point in the weeks ahead.

We have no league game this weekend, so we can now recharge our batteries and look ahead to next week's clash at home to Manchester City.

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drill...90116-1405.htm

[Jayesh87]

DATE SET FOR CHELSEA YOUTH CUP TIE
Steve Hunter 16 January 2009

Liverpool will take on Chelsea in the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup on Thursday, February 5, at Anfield, with a 7pm kick-off.
Hughie McAuley's side beat Bristol Rovers in a dramatic fourth round penalty shoot-out last night to earn the right to face the Londoners.

The last time Liverpool met Chelsea in the FA Youth Cup was in the fourth round two years ago at Anfield, when goals from Jimmy Ryan and Ray Putterill gave the young Reds a 2-0 win.

Supporters should note the Kop Stand will be open on the night with the following admission prices being charged:-

Adults. £4 and concessions. Juveniles aged 16 or under and senior citizens. £2.

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drill...90116-1513.htm

[Jayesh87]

Also the game against Bolton tomorrow has been called off

[Jayesh87]

YOUNGSTER SIGNS PROFESSIONAL DEAL
Paul Eaton 17 January 2009

Swedish midfielder Alexander Kacanaklic has signed his first professional contract with Liverpool Football Club.
Kacaniklic was brought into the Academy in the summer of 2007 from Helsingborg and has performed well for the under-18 team this term.

He also played for the Reds' youth side during their FA Youth Cup victory at Bristol Rovers in midweek.

His new contract runs until June 2010.

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drill...90117-1127.htm

[lickedlollipop]

one more youngster from ex-yugoslavia decent ^^

[MrMichael]

DALLA VALLE EARNS YOUNG REDS A POINT
Steve Hunter 25 January 2009

A strike from Finnish ace Lauri Dalla Valle earned Liverpool Under-18s a share of the spoils as Hughie McAuley's side drew 1-1 with Academy league leaders Manchester City.

Earlier this season City had beaten the Reds 4-1 and things didn't start well when they took the lead after just three minutes.

However, McAuley's side battled back and Dalla Valle pounced just before the interval to level the scores.

Astrit Ajdarevic was back in midfield after various trial spells with other clubs, and Liverpool ended the game with 10 men when Nathan Eccleston was sent-off for two bookable offences.

"We started slowly and paid the price when we conceded a bad goal which came from our free-kick on the edge of their penalty area," McAuley told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"We lost possession and they broke away and scored.

"I then changed things slightly and put Eccleston back up front alongside Dalla Valle and it worked well for us.

"We were more of a threat and Lauri scored a good goal to put us back on level terms.

"We then had some good chances in the second half through Dalla Valle, Eccleston and David Amoo but we couldn't put them away, and to be fair our goalkeeper Martin Hansen also had to make some good saves.

"The game could have gone either way but we gave a good account of ourselves and did well."

Liverpool team: Martin Hansen, Jack Metcalf, Christopher Buchtmann, Andre Wisdom, Joe Kennedy, Michael Roberts (Adam Pepper 66), David Amoo, Astrit Ajdarevic, Lauri Dalla Valle, Nathan Eccleston, Thomas Ince (Alex Kacaniklic 68). Subs not used: Michael Scott, Shane O'Connor, Hakan Duyan.

[Reece]

Hughie McAuley has told his young starlets to enjoy the experience of playing at Anfield and show what they are made of when the Reds take on Chelsea in the FA Youth Cup fifth round tonight.
The match is being shown live on LFC TV which can also be viewed online. Kick-off is at 7pm GMT while our live coverage starts at 6.30pm.

McAuley's side beat Leeds United in the third round and then Bristol Rovers in a dramatic fourth round penalty shoot-out to earn the right to face the Londoners.

The winners will entertain Bolton Wanderers in the quarter-final.

For many of the Academy's starlets tonight will be their first experience of playing on the hallowed turf, and McAuley hopes they can do themselves justice.

"It's a special night for the lads to play under the lights of Anfield and it's a great opportunity to give a good account of ourselves," McAuley told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"The chance to play at Anfield against really good opposition is an invaluable experience and we are really looking forward to it."

Last season at Anfield in the fourth round stage McAuley's side beat Arsenal 1-0 and the Under-18s manager is hoping for a similar performance against Chelsea.

"That was a terrific display from us," he said.

"Everyone worked so hard for each other and we deserved to win against a very good team who Arsenal had spent a lot of money on.

"We need to show the same attitude, discipline and team play tonight as we did against Arsenal and hopefully get the right result again."

The last time Liverpool met Chelsea in the FA Youth Cup was in the fourth round two years ago at Anfield, when goals from Jimmy Ryan and Ray Putterill gave the young Reds a 2-0 win.

Chelsea have already beaten Manchester United and Walsall in the competition so far and with players like French ace Gael Kakuta they have a lot of quality.

"We've watched Chelsea and seen some videos and they are a well organised side with some good athletes," McAuley added.

"They play a passing game and have some tall players so we will need to be careful.

"I'm sure we can also cause Chelsea some problems and we've got some match winners in our team."

One of those Reds with a potentially bright future is Sami Hyypia's Finnish compatriot Lauri Dalla Valle.

The striker signed his first professional contract with the Reds in September which will keep at the club until June 2011. He has scored 15 goals in 16 appearances for the Under-18s this season, with three of those coming in the FA Youth Cup.

"Dalla Valle is a prolific goalscorer and is doing very well for us," McAuley said.

"He is still learning his trade but he has a lot of potential and we believe he could do well."

The Reds are boosted tonight by the return of Spanish centre half Daniel Ayala. He was injured in the warm-up ahead of the fourth round tie at Bristol Rovers, but the former Seville defender is back to partner Joe Kennedy against Chelsea.

[Reece]

In the first of our new series of interviews with the Academy Player of the Month, we spoke to under-18 forward Thomas Ince about life at the club's youth base in Kirkby.
Academy Player of the Month - Thomas Ince


Hello Tom, you've just been named under-18 player of the month - how does that make you feel?

It's great. It's a nice feeling to know that the coaches think you are playing well. I've just got to keep going now, keep on improving, and hopefully there will be a few more player of the month awards in the future.

What's been the highlight for you so far this season?

I think it would have to be the FA Youth Cup clash with Leeds at Elland Road. It was my debut in the competition and I managed to cap it with a goal in our 2-1 win. It was a great experience.

Tonight we face Chelsea in an FA Youth Cup tie at Anfield. How much are you looking forward to it?

I can't wait. It's one of those games that sees one of the best teams in the North-west take on a top southern side like Chelsea. I actually watched them play Man United at Old Trafford earlier in the competition and they are a very good attacking side. I'm expecting an exciting game.

It would be nice to follow up the first-team's 2-0 success over the Blues with another win, wouldn't it?

Yes, definitely. I think the team is good enough to get the result we want. In terms of our attack we are very dangerous and can score goals. Hopefully it will all come together and we can make it into the next round.

What will it mean for you to play at Anfield?

It's going to be unbelievable. To think I could be playing on the same surface that Torres, Alonso and Gerrard perform on regularly is just fantastic. I'm sure there will be a decent crowd there and it's a great opportunity to play on a Premier League ground.

torresgerrard


When did you first arrive at the club's Academy?

It was when I was about 11 or 12. I was at Tranmere at the time. Liverpool came in for me at the end of the under-12 season and I've been here five or six years now. I only live 25 minutes away from the city and with it being the biggest club in the area I thought it was the right place for me to come to.

How are you finding life with the under-18s?

Well this is my first year at this level. I'm still developing physically and that's my biggest challenge at the moment. But I think I am starting to adjust to the physical game at under-18 level and I'm progressing quite well. I just hope I can prove to be a valid member of the squad.

You've been up to Melwood with the under-18s to play practice matches. How have you enjoyed that?

It's been brilliant. When you play against the likes of Jay Spearing and Stephen Darby - players who have been here and gone up to Melwood - you realise how much you need to improve to get to that next stage. It's exciting because you see Rafa and Sammy Lee on the sidelines and it gives you extra motivation to show them what you can do. After the game against Leeds in the Youth Cup a few of the lads said well done about my goal. That was a nice touch because it shows they are watching.

kellyspearingdarby


How would you assess the under-18 season so far - both as a team and for you personally?

I think we started quite well. We've picked up points home and away. We've also got through two rounds in the Youth Cup and face a tough clash with Chelsea tonight. We are an attacking side and I think we will continue to play the right way and get amongst the goals in the remainder of the season. From my own point of view, I started off a bit nervous. I needed to get used to the new level and I'm also one of the youngest in the team, but I've started to improve over the past few months.

If you do make it as a professional, how do you expect to cope with the pressure that comes with it?

I think I'd be okay. Obviously the fans can get on the players' backs if things aren't going to plan, but I think if you are a top player you can shrug it off and just concentrate on what you are doing.

For any fans who aren't yet aware of you, could you tell us what type of player you are?

My natural position is on the left wing. That's the position I feel that I can cause most problems when I'm on form. I like to beat players, get into one-on-one situations and put crosses into the box. Ialso like to chip in with goals if possible.

As part of the Academy programme you are also expected to continue some form of education. How important is that to you?

It's very important. The coaches and Tim Devine, especially, encourage us to work hard at our studies so that if it doesn't work out we have something to fall back on.

leeds


Do you have a specific back-up plan if things don't work out in the world of football?

A lot of lads do college work here at the Academy. I'm a bit different because my school is only about two minutes away from my house, so on Wednesday and Friday afternoons I go there and do an A-level Sociology class. I'll then do a test at the end of the year like other students and it's great because it offers me a plan B.

How does education fit in with your football?

Well the school understand that football is important to me and have been very supportive. They help me in every way possible.

Can you talk us through a typical day at the Academy?

I'm here from about 9am for breakfast. We'll then chill for a bit and go out for training with Piet Hamberg at about 10.30am. If it's a full day, we will then have lunch and further training in the afternoon or a weights session. On other days we do half a day of training and half a day of education.

You still live with your parents, don't you? How important have they been in your development?

Thomas InceWell obviously, my Dad has been there and knows what it takes to make it. After the game on a Saturday we'll go home and watch it back on LFC TV and he'll offer me a few pointers too. My Mum doesn't have as much to offer as my Dad in terms of knowledge of the game, but she always adds a few words too and it's nice to have both parents right behind you and supporting you.

Being a teenager committed to making a future in the game, do you find it hard watching your friends going out and do the usual things that youngsters do?

I think it is more difficult now because when you are younger it maybe doesn't have as much bearing on things, but now that I am playing at under-18 level it can be a pivotal moment in your career. I realise that when my mates go out on a Friday I can't because of the game on Saturday. But I'm happy with that because this is what I live for and this is what I want to be in a few years time. When it comes to the sacrifices you have to make, I think I can handle it well.

When the fixtures come out at the start of the season what is the game you look for first?

Most people would say Everton because it's a derby match. But for me I'd have to say Man United or Man City. They have the best players in the North West so it's nice to judge yourselves and go up against them.

Do you find it easy to stay motivated?

Definitely. Playing football is one of the best jobs in the world. If you can't motivate yourself for that, then I don't know what you are going to do!

Where do you find yourself in five years time?

Hopefully in the Liverpool first-team. But I can't look too far ahead. I have to keep what I am doing in the Youth team and try to make the next step up to reserve team level.

And did any player inspire you when you were growing up?

It has to be Ryan Giggs. He actually used to live with us when I was four or five when my Dad was at Man United and he's just brilliant. What he's achieved there is great. He's won 10 Premier League titles and you can't get much better than that. I remember when he scored that goal against Arsenal when he beat four or five players and that's just inspirational for a player like myself.