The Talented Youngsters Looking to Bring Success Back to Liverpool

Brendan Rodgers may have had his hand forced this season but it is already clear that he is willing to give youth a chance in the Liverpool first team.

A lack of options has led to a number of players under the age of 21 being handed an opportunity to make a name for themselves, and they have grabbed the chance with both hands.

In the Capital One Cup fixture against West Brom, Liverpool handed a debut to Jerome Sinclair who became the youngest ever player to represent the club. At 16 years and 6 days the record was broken by some distance, showing that Rodgers does not believe in the credo you won't win anything with kids.

Made famous by former Liverpool defender Alan Hansen, Rodgers will be hoping that his young tyros will be able to deliver some silverware this season, with the Europa League and the Capital One Cup both being targeted.

It is all across the pitch that Rodgers is challenging his youngsters to impress. In defence we have seen 19-year-old Andre Wisdom catch the eye as he scored in the 5-3 win over Young Boys, while his two fellow full-backs of the same age, Jack Robinson and Jon Flanagan, also appear to have a bright future at Anfield.

In midfield Raheem Sterling,17, has already become the focal point of Liverpool's attack this season; Jonjo Shelvey, 20, gave a match winning performance in the Europa League and has been praised by Rodgers, while Suso, 18, did not look overawed when making his Premier League debut against Manchester United.

Despite being short of established strikers, there are plenty of options in attack with Samed Yesil, 18, giving a promising display on his debut in the League Cup. His fellow Spaniard, Dani Pacheco, 21, has also been called upon by Rodgers after being largely overlooked by Kenny Dalglish and Roy Hodgson.

These young men need only look at the current Liverpool first team to see that age is no barrier. Fabio Borini, 20, has started four of the opening five league games while Joe Allen, who is just two years older, was brought to the club to dictate proceedings from midfield.

Had Martin Kelly, 22, not been ruled out of action for close to six months then he too would have been a regular in the Liverpool XI.

Liverpool have always had a rich tradition of giving players from the academy the chance to shine. Michael Own was just 17 when he scored on his debut against Wimbledon; Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher were given opportunities in their teens, while before them Robbie Fowler and Steve McManaman graduated from Melwood and enjoyed successful playing careers on Merseyside.

With Liverpool struggling to compete financially with the biggest clubs in Europe, they will have to rely more and more on the academy. If the Reds can emulate Barcelona , perhaps the most successful club to employ this policy, then there could be plenty of reasons to be cheerful on Merseyside.