Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish was pleased with Jay Spearing's performance in their derby draw against Everton.
Spearing replaced Christian Poulsen in midfield.
Asked to explain his surprise decision to include the Wirral-born youngster, the caretaker boss told liverpoolfc.tv: "He had a game in midweek with the reserves and did particularly well. Daniel Pacheco did also, and that's why he was on the bench.
"Wee Jay can be really proud of his performance today. Steven Gerrard might not get in now!
"Honestly, I don't care where they are born. You can't get a game of football because of your birthplace. You get a game of football because of the way you play. If he had been born in Scotland he still would have played.
"If a local lad can come in to play we're delighted to have him - but they won't get preference and it won't be held against them either."
Dalglish was once again delighted with the performance at right-back of Martin Kelly.
So will Glen Johnson, who again operated on the left against Everton, have trouble regaining his natural position?
"If Martin keeps playing like that, Glen could have a problem - though I'm sure he's happy to play left-back.
"I thought Martin was excellent again today and it's fantastic for us to see a young boy starting to develop."