[lfc-news] Youth is the key for Reds - Echo

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Liverpool Echo, 16 Aug 2005
Youth is the key for Reds
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.

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 assets 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.

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