Steaua away Build up

[Fernandinho]

This is on ESPN isn't it?

getting the same respons problems

[Shaggy]

John Flanagan - big burly centre back/right back from the Academy.

[Craig_H]

John Flanagan - big burly centre back/right back from the Academy.

How old is he? Never heard of him, is he about 14

[Mostar]

No, not at all. I was, if anything, a bit surprised others were enthused by it. The best thing about it in my opinion is that it would suggest Lucas, and not Poulsen, will start against Villa.

Yes but it also suggests that Konk will start against Villa and not Aurelio

[Lee]

Depends what you mean - I'm looking forward to seeing the younglings play but it looks a bit formless and lacking in leadership or tactical discipline to me.

Come on dww, we don't have to pick posts apart.

Good team in that it's strong enough to win with the experienced players that we have, and it's good to see some of the fringe players such as Pacheco and Shelvey get a start.

Alarming to see Poulsen as always but I'd rather he's given games in Europe instead of the League.

[Shaggy]

How old is he? Never heard of him, is he about 14

Can't be more than 17/18.

[red g]

Who?

John Flanagan. hard as nails full back 17 years old

[Craig_H]

So i've had 'John', and now 'Joe' Flanagan.

Own up, this lad doesnt really exist, does he?

[red g]

on flanagan.........

Tony Barrett says: There is a fine tradition of tough tackling Scouse full backs at Anfield with Gerry Byrne, Tommy Smith and Jamie Carragher being perhaps the best examples. But since Carragher converted to a regular role in central defence Liverpool have lacked a locally produced player on the defensive flanks who would think nothing of running through a brick wall - and anyone foolish enough to get in his way - for the good of the team.

This is just one reason why hopes are high that teenage right back Jonathan Flanagan will be the next youngster to emerge from the club's Academy to make a big impression at reserve team level and then, if progress continues to be made, on the first team itself.

Flanagan doesn't just like a tackle, he absolutely loves making them. Regular watchers of Liverpool's U18 team will know exactly what he is about and they will appreciate his fully committed, never say die attitude. Having been one of Liverpool's most impressive performers at that level during last season, Flanagan found himself promoted into John McMahon's squad and the leap in standards did not phase him, he just got on with the job in hand with the minimum of fuss, defending with a characteristic zeal but never missing the chance to get forward and get crosses into the box whenever the opportunity presented itself.

One moment in particular involving Flanagan sticks out in my mind. It came during a fiercely competitive U18s derby game against Everton at Finch Farm which Liverpool ended up winning 4-3 after finding themselves a couple of goals down. Flanagan was on the receiving end of a stray elbow from an Everton player which the referee missed and he was clearly upset at the challenge. It would have been easy for him to react the wrong way and perhaps get himself into a bit of trouble but he calmly got on with the game, letting his football do the talking instead of being drawn into doing something foolish.

That showed his growing maturity but it didn't suggest he was losing his competitive edge because when the chance came to let his aggressor know that he wouldn't be bullied Flanagan took it, producing a tackle of such ferocity that his opponent ended up not knowing which part of his body required treatment the most. Best of all, though, was the fact that Flanagan had taken the ball, it was the cleanest of tackles but also one of immense power that was totally in keeping with the tradition that he is looking to follow.

There is still a long way to go before Flanagan can repeat the journey into Liverpool's first team that was made by the likes of Carragher, Byrne and Smith but the raw materials are in place and so, equally importantly, is the desire.

[Fernandinho]

By the sounds of things he won't make it if he is barely heard of at this age...

[Craig_H]

I'm waiting for another squad list for this game to be posted, containing "D.Jenkins"

[Gibbo]

getting the same respons problems

It is on ESPN

I hope Dani shines tonight, if he plays like we know he can surely Dodgeson cant sell him...

[danperkins]

Yep. Uefa.com

Thanks mate

[little dave hedgehog]

John Flanagan - big burly centre back/right back from the Academy.

you being funny? why would george burley have a cb in our reserves.

try harder next time, mate.

[Shaggy]

So i've had 'John', and now 'Joe' Flanagan.

Own up, this lad doesnt really exist, does he?

Who called him Joe?