Cooper reveals Brendan pep-talk
Liverpool's Academy youngsters will head out at Anfield on Thursday night for their Youth Cup tie with Leeds inspired by a pre-match pep-talk from first-team manager Brendan Rodgers - watch the tie live on LFC TV and LFC TV Online from 6.30pm GMT.
Rodgers took his entire squad to the Academy on Tuesday and met with Steve Cooper's lads ahead of the fifth-round clash with the Yorkshire outfit on a day of activities with the club's potential stars of the future.
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Cooper told Liverpoolfc.com: "Time will tell how good this group are as, at the end of the day, it will be about how many players come through - that's the ultimate aim and objective.
"We were lucky that the manager came down and spoke to both the U18s and U21s - and all the staff in the building - about what he wants and what he thinks is required to become a top player.
"If the boys take that on board, as well as what the rest of the staff are saying, work hard every day and give their best then hopefully their talent will see them to good levels.
"The manager has been very supportive and we know they are right behind us as we are behind the first team."
Kick-off at Anfield is at 7pm and for many of Cooper's side, tonight will be the first experience they have had of playing in front of the Kop.
Rather than be daunted by the occasion, the U18s boss has told his players to embrace the experience and enjoy a fantastic opportunity to play on the turf that the likes of Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez grace every other week.
He added: "It's good for the boys because obviously they get the chance to play at Anfield. It's a cup competition, so it's a little bit different from our normal league games, but it's an experience we need to embrace and enjoy.
"We're looking forward to facing Leeds, who are a good team and are having a very good season, so it will be a test for the lads.
"There are a lot of local boys in the squad and it's important for them and their families to see them play at Anfield and experience what it may be like if they can go that little bit further in their Liverpool careers.
"The club supports the FA Youth Cup by allowing us to play at Anfield, which is great because not many clubs do that these days. It's a real good touch from the club and it shows how together we are.
"The likes of Yalany Baio, Jack Dunn, Jordan Lussey and Lloyd Jones played at Sporting Lisbon's main stadium last week, which was a great experience for them and that will help them when it comes to playing at Anfield."
Leeds United are currently enjoying a fantastic season at Academy level having won their last 12 games.
After overcoming Swindon Town and Histon in the road to the fifth round, Cooper knows his side face a tough test of their credentials.
He added: "The two games we had against Swindon and Histon were potential banana skins. We had to firmly focus on being professional and keeping our performance level very high so we were just generally at a better level than them. That happened to be the case, so that was pleasing.
"This game is a little bit different to the other games. We have played Leeds domestically all through the boys' development years and at least once a year. They have lost one game only this season and that's good going with the likes of Leicester, Notts Forest and Crewe to name but a few teams in their league.
"They have had two convincing wins against Watford and Burton Albion in the FA Youth Cup and they will be coming into this game full of confidence, so we have just got to make sure that we are ready
"They have got good players and they play as a team. We have got to make sure we look after their game and more importantly impose our game plan."
You can watch the FA Youth Cup tie with Leeds on LFC TV and LFC TV Online from 6.30pm. LFC TV is FREE to view on Sky channel 429 and Virgin channel 544 (as part of the XL pack).
Please note: Adult tickets will be available to purcahse at the turnstiles. Supporters wishing to purchase concessionary tickets MUST purchase in advance on the booking line or from the Anfield ticket office.