Saturday, October 23, 2010

Spearing Sees Reds Springboard

Jay Spearing claims Liverpool have been boosted in confidence after Thursday's goalless draw with Napoli.

Reds boss Roy Hodgson elected to take a weakened squad to Italy for their Europa League tie and his young side managed to leave the San Paolo with a point to their name.

The likes of Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres, Raul Meireles and Lucas Leiva were all rested midweek ahead of Liverpool's Premier League clash with Blackburn.

And Spearing believes the result in Naples could be a springboard for their domestic form to improve.

"It's a hostile place to play but we showed what we're capable of doing and it was a good point away from home," said the midfielder, whose club are languishing second-bottom in the table.

"Results haven't been going our way, but this can be the start and we can go into Sunday's game looking for three points at home."

Spearing was one of a number of youthful members of the side, which included 18-year-old Jonjo Shelvey and 20-year-old Martin Kelly.

"It's massive confidence boost straight away when the boss is going to play you in such a hostile place," said the 21-year-old former youth team captain.

"It shows we can play under pressure in these types of games and that the boss has confidence in us."

Experience midfielder Christian Poulsen was impressed by the performances of Shelvey, Spearing, Kelly and David Ngog who, although the club's leading scorer this season, is still only 21.

"Our young players battled well and you couldn't tell there was a lot of inexperience out there," said the 30-year-old.

"I think they had a really good game and it shows we have a strong squad at Liverpool."

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