Source: PA
Skrtel excited by Reds' future
Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel believes the impressive debut of John Flanagan this week underlines the potential of an exciting crop of Reds youngsters.
Reserve-team right-back Flanagan, 18, gave a composed performance after making his first senior appearance from the start in Monday's 3-0 Barclays Premier League thrashing of Manchester City.
The local-born youngster follows in the footsteps of fellow defender Martin Kelly, who has impressed in the same position this season but is currently injured, while midfielder Jay Spearing is also getting opportunities.
Other teenagers such as Conor Coady, Jack Robinson and Raheem Sterling are highly rated and have been on the fringes of first-team squads.
When asked about Flanagan's display, Skrtel told LFC TV: "He was brilliant. He is just 18 and on the pitch he looked like an experienced player. I think he showed his best and he showed he can be a very good player.
"The young guys from the Academy have already got a chance in the first team, like Martin Kelly, Jay Spearing, Flanno and Peter Gulacsi. They are still young players but they are part of the first team. We can see they are the future of Liverpool FC and it is on the right way. These players can be big in the future of Liverpool."
