Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Liverpool Build On Strong Irish Ties With Club Link-Ups

Kenny Dalglish wants Liverpool to go back to their roots.

Dalglish, who watched his young charges take on Bray Wanderers at the Carlisle Grounds last night, was speaking after announcing a link- up with the Seagulls and St Joseph's Boys.

The Reds manager is a close friend of Bray boss Pat Devlin and they had a similar arrangement when he was at Newcastle United.

The link-up will see coaches from Liverpool visit Ireland to assist with training and development programs at both Bray and St Joseph's.

"I've always had a close affinity to young Irish players," said Dalglish. "Pat Devlin and I have been in close contact for some years and it's important for Liverpool to have close links with Ireland, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

"We're here to enhance what's in place. If we get some kids through, that would be great but the real people to benefit will be the kids."

Meanwhile, Alberto Aquilani could have a future at Liverpool, after all, after Dalglish said the Italian will be given a chance to prove his worth.

Aquilani starred against the Malaysian All Stars last Saturday and, although the manager missed that match because he was flying home to complete the signing of Stewart Downing, he indicated that he will be given a chance at the club who shelled out £20m two years ago for his services.

Liverpool owner John Henry tweeted that the former Roma player, who spent last season on loan at Juventus, was "the missing link" after his performances on the club's Asian tour.

"We'll certainly see what he's like. We'll judge everybody on what they do. I don't pre-judge everybody. I'm just glad the chairman is so up on social media," said Dalglish.

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