[lfc-news] Academy: Owens looking for derby fillip - Post

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Liverpool Daily Post, 28 Oct 2004
Owens looking for derby fillip
Academy football with Chris Wright, Daily Post

AFTER just three wins in 10 matches the last thing Liverpool under-18s
would want would be to face a fresh Everton side on an unbeaten run.

But when John Owens's side take on their Merseyside neighbours tomorrow at
Netherton (kick-off 11am), it may provide some respite from a difficult
campaign.

While Everton have lost just once this season and are unbeaten in six,
Liverpool slumped to their seventh defeat at home to Manchester City last
Saturday.

So Everton, who have on paper a stronger squad, would appear favourites.
But with derby matches at any level form is not always the best guide.

And Liverpool coach John Owens knows it is a big chance to provide a boost
for the season, although his squad is depleted with injuries and reserve
team commitments.

He said: "The reserves are playing Aston Villa on Monday, so again we need
to look at whether any individuals who might feature like Danny O'Donnell
or James Smith should be rested.

"The game that would benefit their future more is the reserve game, but we
want to send a team out to take on Everton.

"I am not saying that our case is any different, it is just we don't have a
big squad and the reserves can eat into it quite a bit. I'm sure the same
is also happening at Everton."

He added: "There are things we need to work on. At times they show us
exactly what we want them to do and at other times they make the wrong
decisions. So it is game play practice we need. They have proved they can
do what is wanted in a team game, just not consistently enough."

Defender Danny Smith should return after suspension tomorrow, while Owens
will hope Conal Platt is fit after he returned from international duty with
the Republic of Ireland U18s with a slight strain.

But joining long-term casualties Adam Hitchen and Jordan Holmes on the
sidelines are defender Lee Peltier with a hip problem.

Francis Smith is out again with a groin problem after only just returning,
while forward Phil Townley is out with a knee injury.

Mark Roberts has had an operation on his knee, while goalkeeper Paul Willis
is on international duty with Ireland in France.


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