Liverpool academy chief Alex Inglethorpe is happy seeing Neil Critchley move to Aston Villa.

Critchley has left his job as Blackpool manager to become Steven Gerrard's No2 with Villa.

Inglethorpe told liverpoolfc.com: "I think Critch has proven to himself, more importantly, that he's able to manage. He is an outstanding coach but I think what's really good is he has proven to himself that he can manage a club that's not blessed with riches and a club where you can buy success, and you've got to be smart with that.

"He was able to do that and having done that I can understand and support his decision about why he wants to go and test his coaching ability in the Premier League with someone of the calibre of Steven.

"I think it works for Critch because Steven puts a lot of trust in the coaches that he has. It's a fantastic opportunity for him."