Liverpool football chief Damien Comolli says Jay Spearing's new deal is proof the academy is working.
Comolli admitted the progress of Spearing as well as John Flanagan and Jack Robinson has filled him with great optimism for the future.
"The fact that Jay has been given a new contract shows that if you do well then you will get chances to play and get another contract," he told liverpoolfc.tv. "It's not that if you come from other clubs then you are more highly regarded. To me it is the same.
"It's fantastic for the identity of the club to have so many local players. Stevie and Carra have been here for a long time and now we have Jay, and also Jack Robinson and John Flanagan.
"Having local players gives the club a strong identity and also keeps the family atmosphere around the place. These players have been here for so long that they make sure the atmosphere is still alive. It's great."
