[lfc-news] Academy: Liverpool teens keen to triumph - Post

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Liverpool Daily Post, 10 Sept 2004
Liverpool teens keen to triumph
Academy Football With Chris Wright, Daily Post

LIVERPOOL under-18s go in search of their first victory at Middlesbrough
tomorrow (kick-off 11am) after a disappointing start to the season.

John Owens's side have lost all three of their opening FA Premier Academy
League fixtures this season and are desperate to register that first victory.

Liverpool had performed with credit in defeat against Crystal Palace and
Charlton, but last week's 3-0 loss to Leeds was certainly a step back.

And with Middlesbrough having virtually all their FA Youth Cup-winning team
together in the U18s another hard match is in prospect. But coach Owens is
looking for a positive reaction from his players.

Owens said: "It was a poor performance and we need to improve."

Converting chances has been a major problem for the side, with no
recognised out-and-out goalscorer. But Owens wants improvement all around.

He said: "We have a problem scoring, but defensively as well we need to be
better. If we stop conceding goals at least we can have a chance of staying
in the games.

"But converting chances is a problem. We will work on it, but obviously if
you do have people who are talented in that area (goalscoring) it helps. We
had (Steven) Gillespie last year and when the chance was there he put it away.

"It's a bit like a few years ago in the first team with Robbie Fowler.
Certain players have a finishing ability. You can work on it and we do, but
for some players there is a certain mentality or bit of magic - they know
where the goal is. Ian Rush had it. All teams, right through up to the top
level, are keen to have that type of player."

Strikers Karl Noon (ankle) and Conal Platt (groin) are hoping to return,
while midfielder Danny Guthrie will be back in time to play after linking
up with England's youth set-up for a training camp this week.

John-Paul Kelly played for the Republic of Ireland U19s last night against
England in Cork and is unlikely to be able to play tomorrow.

Long-term casualties Adam Hitchen, Jordan Holmes and Francis Smith are
still unavailable.

Dave Shannon's U16s also travel to Middlesbrough for their second
developmental fixture of the season (KO 11am).


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