Youth is the key for Reds
Aug 16 2005
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo
LIVERPOOL's reserves will include some unfamiliar names when they kick off their campaign in tonight's mini derby at Wrexham's Racecouse ground (7pm kick-off).
At least four teenagers recruited during the summer are expected to play.
Antonio Barragan has already tasted first team action, but the Reds have also finally confirmed the arrivals of 17-year-olds Godwin Antwi and Miguel Rogue in time for the first reserve fixture.
Antwi, a Ghanaian signed from Real Zaragoza, and Rogue, another defender signed from Spanish side Lleida, have been training at Anfield throughout the pre-season.
Jack Hobbs, who joined Liverpool from Lincoln, is also likely to feature this evening.
Centre-half Hobbs can officially sign for the Reds on Thursday when he turns 17.
Manager Rafa Benitez embarked on a low profile transfer spree for the reserves following their disappointing, injury hit campaign last year.
CL "shareLiverpool will collect Û30.6m Liverpool reap reward for success Tuesday, 14 June 2005 UEFA is to distribute...
He wants the second string side to become a breeding ground for hungry youngsters rather than a team packed with unwanted senior players, as it so often was last season.
Benitez hopes the youngsters will prove valuable first team buttets in the seasons to come.
"Our scouts and coaches have been looking after this area for us over the summer and we've brought in a few youngsters for the reserve team this year," explained Benitez.
"Our idea with the reserves is to have a younger team. That doesn't mean we will sacrifice quality, but there will be more boys given experience. To achieve what we want means getting players into the reserve team now.
"When you want to improve the level of your team, it's important not only to make signings for the first team but also for the reserves. It's good for the future. We don't want to lose a lot of games because it's a young reserve team, but if that happens, at least we've a year to work with them and we know they'll benefit from the experience."
A more familiar face hoping to play is Florent Sinama-Pongolle, who has recovered from cruciate ligament damage.
