New kids on the Kop

Kenny Dalglish believes the wheels are turning smoothly on Liverpool's academy system once again, with a new batch of youngsters poised to step off the production line.

Since returning as Liverpool manager in January, Dalglish has put his faith in youth and been rewarded by fearless displays, the latest coming from John Flanagan and Jack Robinson in Sunday's 1-1 draw at Arsenal.

Those teenagers are not the only ones to have caught the eye. Midfielder Jay Spearing, 22, and Martin Kelly, 20, have been impressive, while an exciting crop of novices is headed by versatile 18-year-old midfielder Conor Coady and powerful defender Andre Wisdom, 17.

Not all are local products: Raheem Sterling, 16, signed from QPR in February 2010, and Jonjo Shelvey, 19, who came from Charlton last summer, are also rated by Dalglish.

Sterling, who has lightning pace and terrific skill, is held in high regard, while another making waves is Adam Morgan, a 16-year-old striker who has scored in his last 13 games for the academy and reserve sides.

Liverpool's academy, based eight miles from their Melwood training base in Kirkby, has been radically overhauled in the last two years with Spanish coaches Jose 'Pep' Segura and Rodolfo Borrell coming in to work under director Frank McParland after Steve Heighway's retirement.

Dalglish is optimistic the lack of local youngsters breaking through since Jamie Carragher, Michael Owen and Steven Gerrard in the late 1990s can be corrected.

"We are delighted with the progress the academy has made, and the players too," said Dalglish.

"All I can talk of is the progress that's been made here. Rafa (Benitez) put it in place over a year ago, bringing in Pep and Rodolfo and Frank McParland.

"What they've done has been brilliant. Some of the players have a lot to offer. Whether it's this year or next remains to be seen."

Flanagan, 18, built on a superb debut against Manchester City with an impeccable display at the Emirates, and 17-year-old Robinson did not flinch from his task of shackling Theo Walcott after replacing hamstring victim Fabio Aurelio.

"The way Flano played was exactly how he is," said Dalglish.

"Nothing fazes him. He must have been (nervous) inside, but he didn't show it."

Fenway Sports Group, Liverpool's American owners, have intimated they want a strong, locally produced core to the club but Dalglish insists that is easier said than done.

"It's all very well having ideals," he said. "It doesn't matter where your squad come from - it's the quality that's most important."

Flanagan and Robinson certainly display talent, but Carragher - whose eight-year-old son, James, signed schoolboy forms at the academy last week - feels they have something far more important.

"One thing I'd like to think I've got is character in abundance," said Carragher.

"To play for Liverpool you need that, no matter how good you are, because you have ups and downs. These lads look like they have it.

"Jack was unbelievable. I wouldn't have fancied coming on against Theo Walcott. The way they played is testament to the work of the academy and credit to the manager for giving them the chance."

Source: Daily Mail

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