JOHN GIBBONS is joined by Andy Kelly and Rob Gutmann for another episode of academy football show, The Central League.
They firstly reflect on the recent FA Cup defeat to West Ham and the performances of Pedro Chirivella, Brad Smith, Kevin Stewart, Joao Teixeira and Tiago Ilori. They debate which of the players has made the strongest claim for a Premier League start, and whether the successful, but forced policy of playing the youngsters proves that sometimes players just need to be given a chance.
Then they get stuck into the recent action. The U21s have won one and lost one since we were last together, we talk through a 2-0 win against Reading and a 3-0 defeat to Manchester City at Anfield. The lads talk about who impressed in those games, with particular focus on Brooks Lennon, the young American who has started the last three U21 games.
They also have an update on the U18s, who put a downturn in league form behind them to get through to the next round of the FA Youth Cup thanks to a last minute winner by Adam Phillips.
Lads
If you’re good enough then age doesn’t come into it.
Pedro Chirivella, Brad Smith, Kevin Stewart, Joao Teixeira and Tiago Ilori, Sheie Ojo,Brannigan,they ALL should get a first team place because they were simply better than the first team players they replaced.
There was more urgency, enthusiasm and they put in brilliant performances when they have had their chance.
There is nothing to lose with the remaining premier league games left, jurgen needs to be brave and give them a chance.
That’s what Fergie did when he built his side around Scholes, Beckham, Giggs, Butt etc and I hate to say it but look how they progressed.
These lads can only get better but as they say ”you have to be in it to win it”