Roy Hodgson urges Liverpool youngsters to prove worth
Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson has challenged the club’s younger prospects to make the most of the opportunity to show they can play an important part in the side’s future.
The Reds will take on Northampton Town in the third round of the Carling Cup tonight and Hodgson is expected to give several of his youngsters the chance to shine on the big stage for the first-team at Anfield.
Youngsters such as defender Danny Wilson, midfielder David Amoo and forward Daniel Pacheco should get their chance to prove to Hodgson that they have what it takes to make the grade at the English Premier League club.
Star names such as Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard are likely to be given a break from the rigours of playing for the senior side, though they may be called into action later in the game if Liverpool are struggling.
'Young players need to handle challenge'
Hodgson told the club’s official website that: “We need to know the players who play can stand up and handle these challenges. If they can't and they crumble, then you'd have to ask big questions about their ability to become Liverpool players in the future.”
The 63-year-old added that he expects the Football League Two outfit to provide a tough test. He said that: “You know what it's like in the Football League, whether you're talking about top of the Championship or bottom of League Two — the style of play
is physical and aggressive.
"They'll play fairly directly, like most teams outside of the Premier League. We have to be aware that there'll be plenty of balls hit into our penalty area. They'll pressure us, they'll be young and athletic, and our scouts have been quite impressed by what
they've seen. They'll be a formidable challenge — there's no question about that."
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