John Flanagan, Liverpool's new Kop idol

13 April 2011 00:34
John Flanagan, 18, made his Liverpool debut against City on Monday. It was an almost faultless display against the club boasting players with a price tag higher in millions than young Flanagan has had birthdays. So who is the new kid on the Kop block?[LNB][LNB]Where did he come from?He made his bow for the reserves two months after his 17th birthday and has been tipped as first-team material since shining for the Under 18s. He is Liverpool born and bred.[LNB][LNB]Dazzling debut: Flanagan showed plenty of promise during Liverpool's win over City[LNB]Does he come from footballing stock? His father, John Snr, was on Liverpool's books and used to clean Kenny Dalglish's boots as a teenage hopeful. 'Dad didn't make it at Anfield, but he was there for my debut,' said Flanagan. 'So [my debut] was for him.'[LNB][LNB]A new Jamie Carragher?But don't be fooled by the fresh-faced appearance. Flanagan models himself on the Liverpool legend and tackles with the same bite. Like Carra, he can look after himself. [LNB] Fine example: Liverpool's Jamie Carragher is the man Flanagan could eventually replace[LNB]After being elbowed off the ball in an Under 18 derby at Everton's Finch Farm training ground, the youngster bided his time for a 50-50 with his assailant and duly left him flat on his back and in need of attention. It had been a ferocious but perfectly legitimate tackle.[LNB][LNB]He took his debut in his stride, didn't he?Especially as he only got the call two hours before kick-off. As Kenny Dalglish explained, with a smile: 'If we had told him earlier, we would never have had enough tickets to go round. His family would have inundated us.' [LNB]And he shone with his hero alongside him. Flanagan said: 'Carra was great, always in your ear, telling you what to do. It was fantastic having him there.'[LNB][LNB]One of the boys: Flanagan is a Liverpudlian born and bred[LNB]Is it just coincidence that more home-reared youngsters seem to be coming through under Dalglish? No. Martin Kelly and Jay Spearing have also featured under him, and there could be more to follow, according to Academy director Frank McParland.[LNB]He said: 'Kenny knows the names of all the lads. Not just those at Under 18 level, but the younger ones, too. Since he became boss, he has spent plenty of time at the Academy, and seeing him here is very encouraging for the players. It gives them even more motivation to keep working.' [LNB]  Flanagan dedicates Liverpool debut to father who failed to make Anfield gradeDalglish delighted with Liverpool youth set-up as Flanagan shines on Anfield debutAnfield match zone: Flanagan makes his bow as Liverpool stun CityAll the latest Liverpool news, features and opinion [LNB]  Explore more:People: Kenny Dalglish, Jamie Carragher, Martin Kelly Places: Liverpool

Source: Daily_Mail