Steve Hunter, 29 October 2009
LFC Official Website
John McMahon is hoping his reserve team can emulate the first XI and beat Manchester United when the two sides meet in the Lancashire Senior Cup at Altrincham tonight.
Liverpool's second string are in great form going into this tie having won their last five games in a row and confidence in the camp is high ahead of the 7pm kick-off.
"It would be nice to think we could emulate them as the first team were fantastic on Sunday," McMahon told Liverpoolfc.tv.
"When the first team are doing well it gives the whole club a lift and playing for the first team is ultimately what it's all about for these young players."
McMahon's team have already beaten United 1-0 in the Barclays Premier Reserve League North at Prenton Park last month when David Ngog scored the only goal of the game.
"That was a tough game, especially when Damien Plessis was sent-off," he said.
"We worked really hard for the three points and it showed the character and the togetherness of the lads. They showed a real strength and desire for victory which is always pleasing for a coach."
In the league table Liverpool and United are only separated at the top by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side having a marginally better goal difference, and there is a lot of pride at stake tonight.
"It will be two good sides pitting their wits against each other again and we have both got good players so it has all the ingredients for a good game," said McMahon.
"The league calendar these days is such that there's not many games for us in a season so it's good for us to play in the Lancashire Senior Cup. It's a competitive level and we need more games.
"We have done okay so far. Sometimes results can mask what we are really looking for and for me and the rest of the staff we want to see development, ambition and improvement from the players. That gives us more satisfaction than winning games.
"It's nice to win games don't get me wrong, but at the end of the day it's all about development and progression for these lads."
Meanwhile McMahon had words of praise for Martin Kelly who made an encouraging first start for Rafa's XI against Lyon in the Champions League last week.
"I thought Martin did really well," he added.
"Unfortunately he picked up a little knock in the game but he can be pleased with his overall contribution and performance."
LFC Official Website
John McMahon is hoping his reserve team can emulate the first XI and beat Manchester United when the two sides meet in the Lancashire Senior Cup at Altrincham tonight.
Liverpool's second string are in great form going into this tie having won their last five games in a row and confidence in the camp is high ahead of the 7pm kick-off.
"It would be nice to think we could emulate them as the first team were fantastic on Sunday," McMahon told Liverpoolfc.tv.
"When the first team are doing well it gives the whole club a lift and playing for the first team is ultimately what it's all about for these young players."
McMahon's team have already beaten United 1-0 in the Barclays Premier Reserve League North at Prenton Park last month when David Ngog scored the only goal of the game.
"That was a tough game, especially when Damien Plessis was sent-off," he said.
"We worked really hard for the three points and it showed the character and the togetherness of the lads. They showed a real strength and desire for victory which is always pleasing for a coach."
In the league table Liverpool and United are only separated at the top by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side having a marginally better goal difference, and there is a lot of pride at stake tonight.
"It will be two good sides pitting their wits against each other again and we have both got good players so it has all the ingredients for a good game," said McMahon.
"The league calendar these days is such that there's not many games for us in a season so it's good for us to play in the Lancashire Senior Cup. It's a competitive level and we need more games.
"We have done okay so far. Sometimes results can mask what we are really looking for and for me and the rest of the staff we want to see development, ambition and improvement from the players. That gives us more satisfaction than winning games.
"It's nice to win games don't get me wrong, but at the end of the day it's all about development and progression for these lads."
Meanwhile McMahon had words of praise for Martin Kelly who made an encouraging first start for Rafa's XI against Lyon in the Champions League last week.
"I thought Martin did really well," he added.
"Unfortunately he picked up a little knock in the game but he can be pleased with his overall contribution and performance."
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