Liverpool defender Daniel Ayala insists injury-prone Francisco Duran can make it at Anfield.

A series of cruciate ligament injuries has stalled the cultured midfielder's development since Liverpool beat Arsenal to his signature in January 2007.

"I think there's a lot of good players there in the Reserves," Ayala told Liverpoolfc.tv. "In particular I'd mention Francisco Duran, and there are others I think can breakthrough.

"Unfortunately Francisco has been very unlucky with injuries, but he's a very good footballer, he's very good with the ball.

"He's also a very good friend of mine off the pitch along with Emmanuel Mendy."