Liverpool U21 player-coach Jay Spearing has hailed the work being done inside the academy.

The Reds' young players has been a big success story this season.

Spearing told the Liverpool Matchday Programme: “The whole Academy is doing an unbelievable job.

“We might be higher profile because we work with the upper age-groups but it's not just us that should take the limelight. Whatever age group any boy has joined the club at, every single coach they have had has played a part in their pathway.

“We might look like we've made the final step with them because we work with the U18s and U21s but at the end of the day it comes down to Jürgen. He's the one who trusts the process and has done since he's been here.

“I think there's been 40-odd Academy players who have made debuts under Jürgen so he trusts exactly what's going on below the first team and then he trusts the players. When they cross that white line it's down to them to go and perform and show what they're about.

“Every single one of them have deserved their moment and so far they've taken their opportunities with both hands."