'Their Mentality Is Changing'

Pep Segura admits he will once again be forced to shuffle his pack as Liverpool Reserves prepare to host Bolton at the Academy this afternoon.

The combination of U18s fixtures and first-team injuries means the second-string boss has yet to field an unchanged line-up since taking temporary charge last month.

The Spaniard concedes it has been difficult to juggle between the various priorities at the club but he remains confident the ideas being implemented will bear fruit in the long-term.

Segura told Liverpoolfc.tv: "The idea we have for the latter part of the reserve season is to try and change the mentality of the younger players in the squad.

"We played against a very strong Villa team in our last game at Villa Park. It was a big experience for them but the most important thing was to look at the positive things that they did in the game.

"This is how we can help them grow as players."

He added: "We will try to take more players from the U18s squad for the Bolton game but we will have to assess it as they played against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.

"We know Bolton are a strong side. They have some good players and I think that is better for us. I always prefer to take on tougher opponents as it benefits our players more.

"I would prefer to lose a match in which our players are forced to work at 100 per cent rather than win a match when they don't have to try as hard.

"This is the most important thing for the development of our players."

With just three matches left Liverpool remain in the running to top Barclays Premier Reserve League Northern Group B.

Segura acknowledges that his side could yet emerge with the title but feels the demands of the Academy program will make it a difficult proposition.

He said: "If we have all of our players available it is still possible that we can win our league. But the reality is that the first team needs our players because of all of the injuries they have.

"We have to play with different players every game and that makes it tough for us to create a strong team. Our idea is to work hard with the Scouse spirit.

"If we win, fantastic. But if we lose we will work harder. When you lose your idea is always to win the next game.

"But we always aim to do everything with the ideas and concepts we are in the process of implementing."