Thursday, November 24, 2011

Dalglish Happy With Squad Depth

Kenny Dalglish was full of praise for the attitude his fringe players showed in the reserves as they crushed Sunderland's second string 5-1.

First-team squad members Jay Spearing, Sebastian Coates, Jon Flanagan and Danny Wilson were all part of the side watched by the Liverpool boss from the touchline at the Kirby Academy.

Spearing managed to bag a brace, while Coates also found the target as they both made strong cases to be included in the Carling Cup quarter-final against Chelsea next Tuesday.

That clash comes just 48 hours after the Reds face Manchester City at Anfield and Dalglish has intimated he will use squad players in the cup clash.

He told the Liverpool Echo: "They applied themselves very well and they will be better for getting 90 minutes.

"They need to play games and it was good for them to be involved. It's better for them than training.

"Some people look at it as a form of punishment asking them to play for the reserves but that's certainly not the case.

"It was a necessity and it's important we give everyone opportunities to play matches.

"For the likes of Seb and Jay, it gives them the chance to get match fit and they did well. We need a strong squad with players who are ready to step in when they're needed."

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