'The kids are all right' says Academy boss

Hanging proudly on the walls in the foyer of Liverpool’s Academy are a number of powerful images which showcase the achievements of some esteemed graduates.

Robbie Fowler, the goalscorer supreme, is depicted in one frame. Steve McManaman - a dual Champions League winner with Real Madrid - stands proudly in another; move along and you see snaps of Steven Gerrard cradling the FA Cup and Jamie Carragher cavorting in Istanbul.

As evocative as those images are, however, there is a feeling that the walls could do with freshening up and a new face needs to be hoisted up into pride of place. It has been too long since Liverpudlians have been able to latch on to a bright, young thing.

Nobody knows that more than Frank McParland. As Liverpool's Academy Director, he carries the burden of unearthing the gem that will get fans off their seats; the man, if you will, who has the onerous task of making the Kop's dream for 'a team of Carraghers' come true.

But while a stroll around the Academy facility in Kirkby offers reminders of the past, you only need to cast a glance at what is happening on the pitches to see that the present is flourishing and the future could yet be vibrant.

Last week, for example, Liverpool had three players representing England's Under-19s - Jonjo Shelvey, Michael Ngoo and Andre Wisdom - and another three - Matty Regan, Raheem Sterling and Adam Morgan - on duty for England's Under-17s.

In total, there are 25 young internationals residing at the Academy and under the guidance of McParland, his deputies Pep Segura and Rodolfo Borrell, these highly-touted novices have a fine opportunity to tread a well-worn path.

"It just gives you an idea of what other people think of the players we have got," explained McParland, who has been in his role 16 months. "It's so exciting to be a part of. It's privilege to work here and be alongside good people.

"The coaching programme that Pep and Rodolfo have put together is first class. Rodolfo does all the work with the under-18s and they have improved vastly in the last 12 months. When Rafa (Benitez) and I were speaking to Pep, he told us he wanted to bring in another coach.

"That was 'Rodo' and they have done a fantastic job. All the coaches are now working to the same programme. The scouting department is the heartbeat of the Academy because if you don't get the best players, it doesn't matter how good your coaches are.

"That has been the biggest improvement to the Academy, the way the scouting system now works. When you are all pulling together, things are so much easier and that is definitely the case now."

Hard to argue when you consider Liverpool moved swiftly and decisively to beat off a host of Premier League clubs to snap up Sterling from Queens Park Rangers in February; it would be folly to build this pint-sized 15-year-old up too soon but he is enormously exciting.

Blessed with a terrific temperament, lightening pace and a repertoire of skills, Sterling has already sampled life with the first team, as he and another new recruit from Spain, Fernando Suso, played for a few minutes in a friendly against Borussia Moenchengladbach last month.

"We watched him five times," said McParland, who was Bolton's General Manager during Sammy Lee's spell in charge at the Reebok. "It was great the board gave us the money to do it. It was an expensive deal but he was the one player last year we really wanted to sign.

"We have got to stress that Raheem has got a lot to do. He has got high potential but it will be down to how we look after him and, just as importantly, how he looks after himself. We are giving him the stage - it's up to him use that platform.

"He has been fantastic so far but he needs to stay at that level. If he does that, then he will definitely have a chance. We have all seen fantastic players aged 15 and 16 who have not ended up going on, for one reason or another.

"But the signs are good. He has been up to train with the boss (Roy Hodgson) and Sammy and every time he goes to Melwood, the experience will be of benefit to him. He's got to make sure he puts everything he learns to good use.

"We have got to do our job properly and keep their feet on the ground. They might go up to the reserves or the first team and train but then they might come down again. It's how the kids respond and learn is most important."

Those who went to Carragher's testimonial last week saw glimpses of that potential, notably John Flanagan, who is a full-back held in high regard; Jack Robinson - the youngest player in the club's history - has made big strides then there is the Portuguese flyer Toni Silva.

How they develop in the next few years will, of course, determine whether they go on to follow Gerrard, Carragher, Fowler, McManaman and Michael Owen but, listening McParland speak, it is clear no stone will be left unturned to discover the next graduate.

"It is driving us on," he agreed. "We have won a couple of FA Youth Cups in recent years and that was great. We would love to win it again this year, too. But the thing we really want is to get a player in the first team and have him stay there.

"We have had Jack Robinson in there briefly. Everyone here is delighted that he was the youngest player to play for Liverpool. But we want Jack playing every week. The aim is to get one in that is going to be like Jamie or Steven. Then we would be absolutely delighted."

As, undoubtedly, would every Liverpudlian.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.