U16s Secure Semi Berth

Liverpool are through to the semi-finals of the Swiss U16 Cup after clinching first place in Group B on Saturday.

The Reds recorded an emphatic 5-0 victory over St Gallen in their opening game of the day in Ruggell to ensure they'd finish top, meaning their 2-1 defeat to Rapid Vienna had no impact on the final standings.

Academy manager Steve Cooper told Liverpoolfc.tv: "It was quite a difficult game against St Gallen because they are the local team here.

"They've struggled a little bit in the tournament, but they dropped off us, sat back and made it really difficult for us to play, so we had to be patient.

"We managed to score in the first half and fortunately goals came a little bit easier for us in the second.

"It was a good experience for us to have to adapt to something different, but the boys did well and I was pleased with them.

"I thought we did okay against Rapid Vienna and we probably played some better stuff and created better chances than we did against St Gallen.

"But we've got a few knocks and a couple of boys that have played a lot of football over here, so I could see there were a few tired legs out there.

"We made a couple of mistakes, but that's something we can talk about and hopefully put them to bed come tomorrow."

Liverpool secured top spot after winning four of their five clashes in a group that also contained FC Zurich, Team Vorarlberg and Wolfsburg in addition to Saturday's opponents.

Cooper admits the manner in which his side has dealt with several different playing styles over the course of the tournament so far is cause for satisfaction.

He added: "What has been pleasing is we have tried to play the right way - and we have done that most of the time we've been on the pitch.

"It's good recognition for everybody that we're through as group winners and hopefully we can take that into tomorrow.

"But as I've said previously, the most important thing is the boys get the experience of playing in a different environment against different styles and cultures - and they've certainly acquitted themselves really well up to now."