Liverpool assistant boss Sammy Lee insists he's very keen to see more young players come through the system.

"I follow it very closely because it's our future. It's very important in their development because the games are more high profile than those they normally play in," the Scouser told liverpoolfc.tv.

"It's more competitive football against opposition they wouldn't usually face. It's crucial in their development."

Lee was himself the product of an apprenticeship at Anfield - so what advice would he give to the current crop of Academy starlets hoping to become the next Steven Gerrard?

"Always enjoy," says the 49-year-old. "You have to work hard and always enjoy it. They are developing whatever skills they have every day at the Academy but it's about enjoying football, and if you work hard you will enjoy your football."