Ince: Final defeat spurs me on

As Liverpool's under-18 squad watched Arsenal lift the FA Youth Cup at Anfield last season, there was one red who resolved to go one better come May 2010.

As Liverpool's under-18 squad watched Arsenal lift the FA Youth Cup at Anfield last season, there was one red who resolved to go one better come May 2010. Winger Tom Ince played both legs of the clash with Steve Bould's irrepressible Gunners team and admits that the Merseysiders deservedly came up short.
 
But with a new regime at the helm and a vibrant young side eager to learn, the 17-year-old is confident another glorious cup run could well be on the agenda - if they can overcome Wolves in a third round tie at Anfield this evening.
 

 
You were a key figure in the team that reached last year's final. What was it like playing at the Emirates on such a big occasion?
 
It was brilliant. It's something I'll remember for the rest of my life. There were around 22,000 fans there and as we ran out you could really feel an atmosphere building. It was a great experience although it was soured by the fact we got well beaten in both legs.
 
You face Wolves in the third round of this season's competition tonight. How determined are you to go one better this year and win it?
 
Well I was a first year back then and it was just great to go so far at such a young age. But this year I want to win it. I think that it is a realistic target. The new manager has a history of winning things at this level and we play some good football. I suppose the fact we have such a young team may go against us slightly. Last year we had players who had been involved in a few cup campaigns, but you never know.
 
As you say, it's your second year with the under-18s. How are you adapting to life under the new regime?
 
I'm one of the older lads in the team this year but I'm slowly getting used to it. There is a third year at youth team level but most of us are first or second years. I think this is a season for me to kick on and try to prove myself. Hopefully that will lead to a place in the reserves.
 
How are you finding life under Rodolfo and his coaching methods?
 
It's good. It's a lot different to last year. We are working with a new tactics and new ideas. It may not be gelling straight away but I think that he will prove himself to be a very good manager for the under-18s.
 
What's it like bumping into Kenny. Any amusing bits of banter you've shared?
 
It's fantastic. The other day we were training and he was there taking penalty kicks against the goalkeepers. His presence gives everyone a lift and there are a fair few laughs too. You can't go wrong having a legend like that so close to you.
 
Results have been a bit inconsistent in the league. How do you rate the season so far?
 
It's been up and down. We've had a fair few injuries and Lauri Dalla Valle being out for a few months hasn't really helped us in the attacking third. We've still won games but I think we've had our fair share of poor performances too, so now is the time that we need to start putting a run together. We know we are more than capable of doing that. I suppose there's no better game to do it in than in the Youth Cup against Wolves.

What about you? Are you happy with your own form?

Yes. I think I've started the season very well. I've scored a few goals and performance-wise it's been going well for me. I just hope I can keep it going now and improve further.

You're natural position is on the left wing. Have you got a trademark piece of skill you use to bamboozle the opposition?

I've got a mixture, but I suppose it's whether they come off or not isn't it! (laughs). My main strength is one-on-one situations in wide areas. I like to run at defenders and exploit my pace.

The under-18s is the first step towards a potential career with LFC. Seeing the likes of Martin Kelly and Nathan Eccleston involved with the first-team won't do any harm to your hopes of one day following in their footsteps will it?

It's great to see. Nathan is a good friend of mine and when he text me to say he was on the bench in the Carling Cup against Arsenal, I was really proud for him. But like you say, it does show that if you work hard and have the ability, there will be chances to make an impression.

What did you make of Kelly when he started against Lyon?

He was outstanding. He showed that he is good enough to play at that level. It's only a few years ago that he was here at the Academy, so like I say, it gives us hope for the future.

The first-team is your main target, but as you've mentioned your next objective must be to progress to the reserves. Has John McMahon spoken to you about the prospect of being involved?

I know John quite well. He was at Tranmere when I was there a few years ago. He brings the reserve team down here to train and makes a point of speaking to all the youth team lads. I've got a good relationship with him and hopefully I can keep playing well for the under-18s and make a good enough impact to convince him to give me a run-out.

Steven Gerrard was at the recent league match against Everton. How does it feel to see the first-team skipper taking an interest in you?

It's brilliant. I saw him watching but none of us got a chance to speak to him. We've also had Carra down here doing some coaching. I actually went up to Melwood a few weeks ago and just his presence in training made us step up our game a notch. Everyone respects Carra. It's not just because he's a great defender and has been for years; it's also his personality and his willingness to speak to the young lads and help them out. We spoke to Rafa and he told us he is looking at the youth team and wants the best players to keep developing. It's a massive confidence booster to hear that from the manager.
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As part of the Academy programme you are also expected to continue some form of education. How important is that to you?

Well I'm actually different to the other players. I still go to my Secondary School. It's only two or three minutes away from where I live in Wirral, so it makes sense. It's going okay. If it doesn't work out in football I'd hope to keep some involvement in sport. I've got the back-up plan, I just hope it isn't needed!

One last question before we let you go. What game do you regard as the best of your career so far?

Well obviously there's the Youth Cup final, but I think that I'd have to say Leeds United away in last year's third round. I played really well and scored a free-kick that I was really happy with. Hopefully I can achieve something similar in this year's third round and help send us through.

Liverpool's youngsters kick off their FA Youth Cup campaign for this season against Wolves at Anfield tonight - and you can watch all the action live and exclusive online from 7pm. Click here to sign up for an e-Season Ticket now.