'Melwood pair led by example'
Conor Coady has paid tribute to Jay Spearing and Jonjo Shelvey after the duo excelled during their respective run-outs for Liverpool Reserves recently.
The Melwood pair hit a double apiece as the second-string romped to wins over Sunderland and Wigan - and the 18-year-old midfielder feels he can only learn from playing alongside such dedicated first-teamers.
Coady told Liverpoolfc.tv: "Jay's been fantastic. He's a top player and a good lad. He helps you through the game and is a privilege to have in your team. It was fantastic to have him alongside me against Sunderland.
"He's just the perfect example to all of us lads hoping to make the grade and push on to Melwood like he has.
"It was the same with Jonjo and it's great that we've had some first-team players involved in the reserves recently because you learn a lot off them. All of the boys are doing well anyway but it doesn't hurt when they come down because you can only pick up positive pointers from them."
Coady featured as an unused substitute during the Europa League trip to Sparta Prague and a Barclays Premier League win over Birmingham last season.
He has yet to get the nod so far this term but remains hungry to make an impression.
He said: "I've been up to Melwood now and again when they've needed players for training sessions. Any time you get the call you are delighted because it's a fantastic experience for any of the boys going up there, not just me.
"I just try to take it one step at a time when I go up there. I try to take everything in and work as hard as I can. Playing with those players is just the highlight of your day.
"I just want to carry on playing well now and keep progressing. It'd be nice to go further in the NextGen and do well in the (reserve) league. I'll focus on that and then at the end of the season, see how it is going and hopefully push on even more."