Liverpool reserves boss Gary Ablett was delighted to see young trio Martin Kelly, Jay Spearing and Stephen Darby all involved in last night's Champions League victory over PSV Eindhoven.

"The three lads have worked hard and this is a great experience for them and a chance to show the manager what they can do," Ablett told liverpoolfc.tv.

"We are really pleased as reserve team staff the fact Rafa has given them the chance to be involved with the squad, and it will be a great learning environment for them to be involved.

"This is Jay and Stephen's club and they have the passion and the commitment for the shirt.

"Martin was someone who first caught my eye when we won the FA Youth Cup in 2007. He was up against Andy Carroll and did very well.

"That summer I phoned Martin and told him we wanted to bring him up to Melwood from the Academy. He didn't play as much football as he would have liked last season but we wanted to give him time to adapt.

"Martin has been involved in a number of training sessions with the first team this season and we are hoping he can continue to progress like Jay and Stephen, and give the manager some problems in the future."