Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers wants more local lads coming through their academy.

The lack of homegrown players coming through the ranks has long been a bone of contention at Anfield, but Rodgers has vowed to put it right by intensifying talent-spotting in and around Merseyside.

"My big thing is getting young players in here from the local area," said the Liverpool manager.

"Boys from Liverpool. If you look at the history here: the Carragher, the Gerrard, the McManaman, the Fowler, the Owen...

"And you name me the best two players in England in the last six or seven years? Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney, and they are Scousers. One is from that part of the city and the other from that part. So you are not telling me there are not top young talents in Liverpool.

"It is sexy to look in Spain, and I am one who loves working with European players. I love working with the talents, and all my life i have worked with players from different parts of the world.

"But we mustn't forget what is on our doorstep, and, for me, this is a hot bed for footballers who have a passion, hunger and incredible qualities. That is a massive part of my job and something we are trying to put in place."