Critchley: I have selection dilemma

Reds supporters can watch how the Youth Cup hopefuls perform at Bloomfield Road by tuning into LFC TV or LFCTV Online, with our live and exclusive coverage kicking off at 6.30pm GMT.

Critchley can call on the services of U21s regulars Cameron Brannagan, Jack Dunn, Lloyd Jones and Jordan Rossiter for the encounter, providing plenty of thought with regards to the boss' starting XI.

"I've got a selection problem because there are so many players who are doing well at the moment and deserve to play on Wednesday - but I can only pick 11," Critchley told Liverpoolfc.com.

"There are going to be lots of disappointed players, which is the horrible side of the job and something I don't like doing because I know how much it means to the boys.

"We have got a big squad and a talented one and we are looking forward to it.

"The FA Youth Cup is good for the boys because it gives them the chance to play in a first-team stadium under the lights and there is a special feeling and we want to do well, but it's not the be all and end all.

"If we win the Youth Cup it doesn't mean all of the players will go on to play for Liverpool's first team, but if we don't win the Youth Cup it doesn't mean that they won't play for Liverpool, so it just gives us a chance to experience something a little closer to the first-team environment.

"We will find out a bit more about the temperament of the boys and how they can handle the occasion. It is a competition that we want to expose our players in on a regular basis, so while it's not the be all and end all, it's a game we want to win.

"We want to have a good run and go as far as we can. We want to win it but there's a lot of other teams in the same boat as it is a knockout competition.

"It would mean an awful lot, not just to me, but all the players and the staff, everyone, and it would be a collective effort and hopefully we can do the club proud on Wednesday night."

A fourth-round tie with Aston Villa awaits the victors on Wednesday, and the potential opportunity to tread the Anfield turf further down the road is an extra incentive for the Academy representatives.

The manager is not looking too far ahead, however, and is aware that Blackpool will pose a genuine threat to his charges' ambitions of progressing into the next stage.

He said: "Blackpool are doing very well this season in their league. They are top of their division and they have only lost once all season.

"They are dangerous opponents because they are full of confidence and used to winning games, so they will see it as a chance of causing an upset and there is no bigger upset than beating Liverpool, so we have to guard against that.

"We are away from home and they have home advantage and we are expecting nothing but a tough game.

"To play Aston Villa at home in the fourth round would be a great tie and a great incentive for us, but we have Blackpool to take care of first and this won't be an easy game."

Wide-man Jordon Ibe thrived in last year's edition of the respected youth competition but, having graduated to senior and U21 duty this season, the 18-year-old is unlikely to feature against the Tangerines.

Critchley explained: "Jordon is eligible to play but he is also a part of the first-team set-up and maybe with the injuries they have got at the moment he might get a chance somewhere along the line.

"It's not something we have pursued to have him in the squad for Wednesday but if we were to progress he could feature later on in the competition.

"It would be nice to see him but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it."

First-team boss Brendan Rodgers has hinted that he could be at the game to cast his eye on the young talent coming through from the Academy, and Critchley admits it's a fantastic feeling to have the support of the manager.

He added: "It makes you feel very special and a belonging at the club. There's a value to what you are doing because the manager takes such a keen interest in the youth players and it means that little bit extra to the boys."