McMahon lauds Lauri

John McMahon believes there is a lot more to come from Lauri Dalla Valle in a red shirt after the Finnish starlet netted his first goal for the reserves in the Liverpool Senior Cup semi-final win over Tranmere Rovers.

The Academy hot-shot scored from a seemingly impossible angle to give the Reds the lead on Wednesday, and they went on to win 3-0 courtesy of a strike from David Amoo and an own goal.

Dalla Valle was making his first start of the season for the second string and he impressed during the 90 minutes.

"I am really pleased for Lauri and he took his goal really well," McMahon told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"It was always the plan to introduce him slowly into the reserve team set-up this season and I was pleased with his contribution. Lauri is a natural finisher and he has got that uncanny knack of being in the right place at the right time."

The reserve team boss was also delighted to see Francisco Duran make his first appearance since November 2008 when the Spaniard came on as a 73^rd minute substitute in front of the watching Rafa Benitez and Sammy Lee.

The former Malaga midfielder has battled back from three cruciate ligament operations - two on his right knee and one on his left.

"It has been a horrific time for Francis with the injuries but he has worked so hard and showed some good things in training," said McMahon.

"It's always good for the lads when they see the boss and Sammy watching them and it's the next stage of these players' development to try and impress them and push into the first team squad."

One of those players trying to impress again is Jay Spearing who captained the side against Tranmere.

"Jay always gives everything for this club," he said.

"He has that great mentality as a person and player. He has infectious enthusiasm and he is a pleasure to work with."

Video: LFC Reserves 3-0 Tranmere highlights>>