Liverpool reserves coach Gary Ablett is hopeful some of his young players will challenge for first team places next season.

"It is going to be incredibly difficult for us to follow up on what we did last year," said Ablett, who led his team to the northern and national championships as well as the Dallas Cup.

"For me, progress would be getting someone into the first team.

"We had an exceptional year with some very good players involved. The three or four new players we hope to add before the new season should make us even better.

"Some of that will come down to the mentality of the boys themselves though. If they sit back and dwell on last season thinking they've cracked it then we're in trouble.

"I would be happy to have a decent enough season and get two or three of our players in or around Rafa's squad. We know how difficult it is but that is our aim."