Jay Spearing says Liverpool's youngsters are delighted with the show of faith from manager Roy Hodgson in playing them against Napoli.

It was a blend of youth and experience that took to the field in Naples, with Spearing joined in the team by the likes of Jonjo Shelvey and Martin Kelly - and the midfielder insists the youngsters can be proud of their endeavours.

"It's massive confidence boost straight away when the boss is going to play you in such a hostile place," he told liverpoolfc.tv.

"It shows we can play under pressure in these types of games and that the boss has confidence in us.

"For Jonjo, it was his first start - and what a game to come into. He did very well."