'Teenage duo are in cup contention again'
After their impressive displays against Middlesbrough last month, Academy duo Jordan Rossiter and Jordan Williams are in the running for more Capital One Cup action against Swansea City this evening, Colin Pascoe has confirmed.
On their first-team debuts, the pair were excellent as Liverpool overcame Championship side Boro in round three of the Capital One Cup at Anfield to set up a meeting with the Swans.
Rossiter was handed a starting berth and marked it with a goal after just 10 minutes, calmly steering home a loose ball from range after Rickie Lambert had an effort blocked by visiting custodian, Jamal Blackman.
That strike was the first of four goals on the evening as the teams traded blows, with Middlesbrough ultimately earning a 2-2 draw against their Barclays Premier League counterparts.
It meant the tie was to be decided by penalties and Williams, who had entered the action as a substitute, displayed composure that belied his tender years by netting a spot kick in front of the Kop in an epic shootout that the Reds eventually edged 14-13.
So, what chance they'll get an opportunity to repeat such heroics against Swansea tonight?
"Possibly," Pascoe answered, when asked by journalists if Rossiter and Williams would figure. "They've been around us for the last couple of months and training with us.
"There's always an opportunity to give youngsters a chance, especially in the Capital One Cup. We'll assess everything again, but they'll be around the squad.
"There are no qualms [about playing them against Premier League opposition]. You just look at Jordan Rossiter last time he played and the coolness he showed in that role.
"Even when Jordan Williams came on, they were both very calm in everything they did. For a young lad to take a penalty in front of the Kop and score shows the calmness he has."
Elsewhere, one man hoping to impress is Lazar Markovic, who is aiming for a first start since October 1.
Pascoe is in no doubt the 20-year-old will demonstrate his worth as he continues to acclimatise to English football.
"He's a quality player - that's why we brought him in here," said the assistant boss. "He's working hard, as everyone is.
"I mentioned Mario is working on his shooting, and Lazar is too - that's the kind of guy he is. He wants to do well and he's a winner."