Pep Relishing Derby Test

Pep Segura has told his young players to enjoy the Anfield experience when the Reserves take on Everton in the mini-derby tonight.

Playing on the hallowed turf used to be a regular occurrence for the second string in the 1970s and 1980s but nowadays it is very rare when a reserve team game is staged at Anfield.

The mini-derby is always a keenly contested affair and the Spaniard is looking forward to the Anfield experience.

"With the game being at Anfield it will be a special occasion for the young players and I hope we can produce a good account of ourselves," Segura told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"It's a special stadium, one of the most famous in the world and everyone would love to get the chance to play at Anfield.

"As a coach I like these derby games. Why? For the young players these are the games where they can grow a lot.

"They have to be 100 per cent focused at all times and keep their concentration and have a good mentality.

"I know what a Liverpool v Everton derby means to the supporters and our players and we hope to come out on top tonight.

"When I lived in Barcelona we always looked forward to the derby against Espanyol and they are special occasions."

The Reserves have been boosted this week by having the opportunity to train at Melwood.

"We have had some training sessions at Melwood this week which has been very good for their football education," he added.

"We have had the chance because it is international week and with many players being away it was decided to have one big group training together.

"It was a good experience for the young players because they could pick up good habits and also see what they need to do to try to get to the level of playing for the first team in the future."

Segura also spoke about the invaluable help he has received from U16 Academy coach Steve Cooper who is assisting him with the reserves.

"Steve is a fantastic friend and he is a great help to me," he added.

"This is a great opportunity for him and he can take a lot of experience from this.

"He is someone who wants to keep learning and I think in Steve Cooper Liverpool Football Club has a fantastic person as well as a fantastic coach."