Liverpool U18 midfielder Karl Clair says Nathan Eccleston's senior breakthrough this season is an inspiration to all the players at the academy.

Clair is a Liverpool local and models his game on Reds captain Steven Gerrard.

He told liverpoolfc.tv: "Yes, it's great to see lads breaking through and we all aspire to do the same. It was nice to see Nathan play against Fulham and Arsenal recently because he was with us last season.

"We actually saw him the other day and congratulated him. He was obviously delighted. He even followed it up with the winner against Everton in the mini derby a few days later! Like I say, it's good to see him making an impact and it gives us optimism for the future."