[quote author=Modo link=topic=45659.msg1345393#msg1345393 date=1307523730]
Looking at our youths and reserves and seeing the likes of Suso, Sterling, Robinson, Flanagan, Coady, Wisdom, Morgan etc makes the next few years and especially this pre-season a bit interesting.
We've also signed two exciting youth players from Ireland, Ryan McLaughlin and Alex O'Hanlon.
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The Northern Ireland football team may have gone through a tough time lately, but there is hope on the horizon with several gifted youngsters coming through the ranks. Today we talk to one of our brightest young talents, assess others who could make the grade and speak to Northern Ireland's most capped international about how he sees the years ahead for his country
When Kenny
Dalglish was here back in August to support Liverpool FC's Soccer Schools in Northern Ireland, he spoke enthusiastically about young Belfast boy Ryan McLaughlin.
Three months on the Merseyside club's Academy Director Frank McParland tells me that the teenager continues to make excellent progress.
Good news for Liverpool and Northern Ireland.
It's clear that
17-year-old right-back McLaughlin has a lot of ability on a football pitch.
The former St Mary's CBGS pupil also has much to commend off it.
He's a level headed kid. Mannerly too, determined to work hard and learn.
McLaughlin only joined the Reds in the summer, when he was 16, yet
already has played at reserve team level and in the Next Generation tournament, which is essentially a Champions League type event for under-19s.
The movers and shakers at Liverpool like his attitude and have not been afraid to promote him to play alongside older boys. The same goes for those who are in charge of the Northern Ireland youth sides.
Recently McLaughlin, whose favourite player is Barcelona's Daniel Alves, impressed for his country in the under-19 European Championships, even scoring against Belarus.
It's in the genes, of course, because McLaughlin's older brother Conor, who is at Preston, made his senior Northern Ireland debut in the 3-0 defeat to Italy in the Euro 2012 qualifier — Nigel Worthington's final match as boss.
Just like when Jonny and Corry Evans were coming through, there is a hope amongst Northern Ireland fans that other siblings will be wearing the green shirt.
“It was a big moment for Conor and the family when he made his international debut against Italy. He came off the bench and really enjoyed it. He also got Giuseppi Rossi's shirt at the end of the game,” says Ryan, with brotherly pride.
“Hopefully I can follow in his footsteps into the senior side and play alongside him.”
If Conor provides inspiration at international level, fellow right-backs Martin Kelly and John Flanagan have shown the way at club level, going from the Academy to the first team at Anfield.
“Martin Kelly and John Flanagan have made great strides. When you see players like that come through the Academy in your position it gives you hope about what can be achieved if you keep putting the work in every day,” says McLaughlin, who has adapted to life in a new city.
He adds: “I'm enjoying being at Liverpool. It was a bit daunting at first joining one of the biggest clubs in the world but I've settled in fine and am loving it. The facilities at the Academy here are great and the pitches are always in top condition. It really is a brilliant place to be and has a real family atmosphere.
“In games things have been going well for me and playing in the Next Generation tournament has been a fantastic experience. You are facing European players which helps you learn different styles and we get to play our home games at Anfield which is brilliant.
“As a city Liverpool is a lot like Belfast. The people here are very friendly,” adds
Ryan, who under the club's guidance attends college to study a BTEC course in sports science.
“It's good to do and is something to fall back on if things don't work out,” he says.
With his attitude and ability, you get the feeling things WILL work out for this engaging boy from Belfast. He has a bright future ahead. Good news for Liverpool and Northern Ireland.
