More numbers pays dividends Sep 16 2005
Academy Football with Chris Wright, Daily Post
THE nature of Academy football means every year is different. But the change at Liverpool under-18s has been pronounced and they will hope they can continue their goal-scoring form at Huddersfield Town tomorrow (kick-off 11am).
In their four matches John Owens's side have won three, scoring 13. It is the benefit of a bigger squad and more attacking options and tomorrow they will be looking to continue that positive start.
Owens said: "It was another good performance last week and we are doing well at the moment. Unlike last year we are winning more than we are losing and playing very well with it."
He added: "One of the things is that with 24 play-ers is trying to get everyone involved. We practise during the week and come Saturday only 11 can start.
I am looking to get some midweek fixtures as well as the Saturday games and we play Manchester City in an in-house friendly next Wednesday.
"They have some players in the same situation. We can then give players who haven't played some action.
"It is good to have the competition. It is a nice problem to have, much better than not having enough players. Obviously we can't satisfy everyone. Unlike the first team, where players can sit on the bench week after week if it is going to be a development programme we need to get people games. That is the important bit."
It is still a fine balance between gaining results and developing young play-ers, but this year's squad appears capable of doing that. And the goals scored so far is proof of that.
Owens said: "We have got more players looking to get in there and score. And the more success they get the more they will keep doing it. Although you can practise and practise, for some players the knack of getting into that position and getting success breeds more confidence."
And of tomorrow's opposition, Huddersfield, Owens added: "Even though we play the same clubs each year, they are always different because the players are continually changing.
"The main thing about Huddersfield is to make sure our players don't think about were the relative first teams are. That won't matter against the Academy side, because they will have 11 players wanting to do well as much as ours.
"We must keep it going and realise the reason we have got three wins from four is due to a lot of hard work. Then the talent obviously comes through after that."
Jay Spearing is out for a couple of months at least after breaking his leg against Leeds last week. He joins goalkeeper Paul Lancaster, who is still a couple of weeks away from a return due to his injury. Lee Woodward, though, is expected to be available for tomorrow's match.
