Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher is behind boss Roy Hodgson when it comes to the youth policy in the Europa League.
Hodgson has giving some of his side’s emerging talent a chance to proves themselves in this year’s competition and this will no doubt continue because Carragher himself was ruled out for three months after sustaining a shoulder injury.
This means that young defenders Martin Kelly and Danny Wilson will start against Steaua Bucharest on Thursday, and will feature heavily during the festive period as the fixture list starts to pile up.
The vice captain has been particularly impressed by the Scottish defender Wilson, who has grown in stature over the preceding games in Europe. Other players such as Jay Spearing and Jonjo Shelvey have also captured his attention.
"They've done great, and it's credit to the manager as well for putting them in there in some difficult places," the 32-year-old told the club's official website.
"Even one of the qualifying rounds - Trabzonspor was a tough place to go. To come through was great. It's been great experience for them and it bodes well for the future.
"It's not just about them getting a bit of experience, though - they've also done very well. They've gone there and performed.
"It's been great for the club to see local lads coming through, so you have to give a pat on the back to them and also to the manager for giving them a chance."
Carra has also reacted to the FA Cup third round draw with Manchester United. Although he will be sidelined in January when the cup-tie will be played, he hopes his side can prevail in order to keep aspirations alive.
"It's a very tough draw for us but it's a very tough draw for them as well. It works both ways," he noted.
"The FA Cup is massive for me. I'm fortunate enough to have won it a few times but I'd love to play at Wembley in an FA Cup final with Liverpool before I finish.
"Hopefully the players can do the job for me and I can be back at Wembley at the end of the season."
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