Liverpool youngster Jordan Rossiter tipped for further first team appearances

Liverpool youngster Jordan Rossiter can expect further opportunities this season after making his Premier League debut against Arsenal, according to ex-academy manager Hugh McAuley. The 18-year-old replaced Lucas Leiva after 76 minutes of the 0-0 draw at The Emirates Stadium in just his second appearance for the Merseyside club.

Rossiter made his Reds debut in the Capital One Cup win over Middlesbrough, becoming the club's second youngster ever goalscorer behind Michael Owen after marking his first appearance with the opening goal. The 18-year-old has since been an unused substitute in a handful of games before he was called into the squad for the pre-season tour of Asia and Australia.

Manager Brendan Rodgers has indicated the England youth international will be involved on a regular basis this season after confirming Rossiter will not be loaned out to gain further experience, following his recent promotion into the Liverpool first team. McAuley, after bringing through the likes of Steven Gerrard during his 17-year spell as coach, believes the youngster has a big future.

"We always knew about Jordan's enthusiasm and ability and that has eventually got him to where he is now. He has a real hunger and passion to play the game as well as to do the right things on the football pitch and to work hard," McAuley said, according to Sky Sports.

"It's so pleasing to see a local lad come through with all that spirit and ability and for Brendan to give him that opportunity. Brendan is an experienced man and he'll play Jordan if he thinks it is right. He'll also pick what games Jordan is involved in and hopefully give him that steady progress which will hopefully benefit him in the future.

"It's great for Brendan, the academy director Alex Inglethorpe and all the other staff as they've all had an input into his development. Jordan is now regularly at Melwood with all the first team, so Brendan and his staff will be working with him and helping him every day.

"There are people in his corner wanting him to do very, very well. They will be patient with him and give him the games to show what he's all about. But he'll have to prove to them he is learning the game and, if he does so, I am sure a connection with the supporters will soon follow."

He added: "Jordan will get opportunities and he will have to deliver because the demands are so great for the first team to do well. He has already shown he can handle that situation and let's hope he can go on throughout the season and get several opportunities when the manager thinks he's ready to stay for longer periods in the first team and show his worth.

"The best Liverpool players or Scouse players, who have come through the youth system, have always shown that individual confidence to go and express themselves. Jordan is not fazed by being in that company of international and world class players because he's got that confidence in his own ability to stand his ground and deliver on the pitch at Anfield or wherever he's got to play."