Source: Telegraph
Liverpool prepare new contracts for Jay Spearing and Stephen Darby
Spearing, 20, a combative midfielder who captained the FA Youth Cup-winning side in 2007 and full-back Darby, also 20 and who captained the reserves to the national title last season, are both approaching the final year of their current deals and will be offered new ones. [LNB]For Spearing it is a reward for steady progress after Steven Gerrard took him under his wing. [LNB] Related ArticlesEto'o linked with Liverpool moveBenitez tips Gerrard for top awardBenitez strengthens backroomBenitez plays down Silva rumoursBenitez: Liverpool will never forget Hillsborough victimsLiverpool brush aside Real Madrid to reach Champions League quarter-finalsHe came on as a substitute in the Champions League victory over Real Madrid at Anfield, to a remarkable ovation from the Kop who instantly sung his name, much to the shock of the youngster. [LNB]"I will never forget it. I was actually running towards the Kop when they started singing my name," he said. [LNB]"I had to stop for a second to listen and make sure it was actually happening." [LNB]Gerrard has offered advice and encouragement to the youngster, saying: "I was delighted for Jay because I think a few people will have been surprised by the way he performed after coming on against Real Madrid but I wasn't one of them. [LNB]"First of all, you have to give credit to the manager for giving a young player a chance in such a big game and Jay certainly did not let him down. [LNB]"I see him in training all the time and he has got a good touch, he passes the ball well and he keeps things simple and it was good to see him show what he is all about in a game like this. [LNB]"He certainly will not let anyone down if he is given more chances in the future." [LNB]Spearing has also received encouragement from Jamie Carragher, and he recalls with fondness the reception he had in the dressing room from Gerrard after the Madrid game. [LNB]"Stevie got me in a headlock and told me he was made up for me and that I had done well," he said. [LNB]"What better advice could you have as a player than talking to the best midfielder in the world and probably the best defender in the world in my opinion?" [LNB]He added: "I signed for the club when I was eight and I have been at the club for 12 years. It's a dream for me and I would not swap that for anything." [LNB]The Wirral-born youngster and his reserve team-mate Darby can expect to be loaned out to Football League clubs next season. [LNB]
