'Learn from cup lesson at Blackpool'
Neil Critchley has urged his Academy youngsters to consider the lessons they learned against Blackpool in an earlier round when they continue their FA Youth Cup charge against Watford on Wednesday.
The young Reds journey to Vicarage Road for a fifth-round clash, having so far eliminated the seaside outfit on penalties - at the end of a tie that could have gone either way - and overcome Aston Villa in impressive style at the previous stage.
Watford eliminated the holders, Norwich City, in the last round and, with a potential quarter-final fixture at Reading on offer with a victory, Critchley explained why his charges cannot wait to take to the field.
He told Liverpoolfc.com: "It's a competition we want to do well in and we want to stay in for as long as possible.
"We are giving the players more exposure to the pressure of knockout football, so playing in the recent tournament in Mexico and the FA Youth Cup are two massive development tools for the players to be involved in.
"There are many shocks that happen in the Youth Cup and we nearly suffered one ourselves at Blackpool when we won on penalties, and we were fortunate to get away with it that night. So we are under no illusions as to how tough a test we face.
"Watford beat the holders Norwich in the last round so they are a good side and have home advantage.
"The players look forward to these games, getting the chance to play in first-team stadiums; even playing at night under the lights, which we don't normally do, is an experience for the players.
"There's something special about a Youth Cup night. Everyone takes a big interest on Youth Cup night - the players are aware of that and we want that to continue this season."
Before the clash with Villa in the fourth round, Critchley reflected on the positive dilemma of having to select an XI from a wide pool - a scenario he will face once more for the trip to Watford.
He commented: "To be honest, that's one of the hardest things I've had to deal with this year - the Blackpool game especially, when we had everybody fit.
"So to leave certain players out of the squad who didn't even make the bench was a big dilemma and something I thought about before and afterwards for a good few days.
"I didn't look forward to telling some of the lads they wouldn't be involved because I see how hard they work on a daily basis and I see what it means to them.
"So I know what it means to them when they are left out, and I think that will be the case again on Wednesday night. That's the dilemma when you've got good players and we have got good players here.
"As always, our main priority has to be developing the players and trying to give them a path to make the first team - and the FA Youth Cup is a great learning curve for the lads."