Source: Liverpool_Echo
Liverpool FC youngsters’ debt to Roy Hodgson for giving them confidence
Roy Hodgson 300[LNB]LIVERPOOL starlet Nathan Eccleston has spoken of the confidence he and his fellow youngsters have gained from their first-team opportunities under Roy Hodgson this season.[LNB]The 19-year-old first broke into the first team under Rafael Benitez last season, making two cameo appearances before enjoying a productive loan spell at League One Huddersfield Town, and has continued his development this term, with five senior outings already under his belt in this campaign.[LNB]It has been a smooth, natural progression path. After joining from Bury as a 15-year-old in 2006, he has enjoyed plenty of success at academy and reserve team level, impressing with his pace, direct running and eagerness to learn and develop.[LNB]'I think since I've come here as a scholar my progress has been pretty quick,' the Manchester-born forward told this week's LFC Weekly magazine, 'I think I've done quite well but I need to maintain that and keep doing well and then hopefully more games will come in the future. I played two games last year and I've played five this season already and I hope to play more.'[LNB] He is not alone. The likes of Martin Kelly, Jay Spearing, Jonjo Shelvey, Danny Wilson, David Amoo and Daniel Pacheco have all picked up minutes on the pitch this season, and appear to be edging ever closer to the first-team picture.[LNB]With recent Premier League rules placing increased emphasis the development of 'home-grown' players, and UEFA's new 'Financial Fair Play' legislation set to put an end to clubs living beyond their means over the next few years, there has never been a better time to blood fresh young talent. Liverpool, perhaps more than most, are aware of the pressure to unearth an academy prospect to compare to Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher or Robbie Fowler.[LNB]And Eccleston says the faith shown by Hodgson in his young charges, particularly during the Reds' Europa League campaign, has left him looking forward towards a bright future at Anfield.[LNB]'I think out of all the teams that are in the Europa League, the gaffer has shown that he is most prepared to put younger players in whereas certain managers wouldn't have. I think he's shown great confidence in us.[LNB]'Every time he's told us to go out there and to remember that we're Liverpool players. We might not be as big names as the other players in the team as of yet, but he has still shown us the same confidence and encouragement that he shows them, so that is great for us.
