Jamie Carragher was impressed by Liverpool teammate John Flanagan on debut in victory over Manchester City.
The 18-year-old was handed his first-team bow against Roberto Mancini's men and went on to turn in an accomplished display that belied his tender years.
"He was outstanding," Carragher told liverpoolfc.tv. "I'm delighted for him and I think it gives the whole club a lift when you see a local lad come through - the supporters love it."
Flanagan is the latest in a burgeoning line of Academy-produced players to have stepped up to first-team level this season, with the likes of Jay Spearing and Martin Kelly having also starred.
Carragher believes Kenny Dalglish's willingness to hand senior action to the Reds' starlets will inspire other young players at the Academy.
"I think at the Academy it gives all of them a lift," he said. "The young lads at the Academy, it shows them it can be done.
"There's a bit of competition now between him and Kelly for the local lads. It's great for everyone really that you've got two local lads like that coming through.
"To be honest there's a few more down there so it's up to them lads to take their chance. Flanno's done that, but I'm pretty confident that there are more down there."
