Young Reds set for summer Milk Cup
Liverpool will again send their U15 squad to Northern Ireland to compete in the prestigious Milk Cup this summer, with a ringing endorsement from Brendan Rodgers as to the importance of the competition.
The Reds won the Premier title in 1988, defeating Motherwell in the decider with a certain Steve McManaman scoring a hat-trick.
In 2013 they reached the semi-finals of the same competition only to lose to County Antrim. Last year they were defeated in their Globe semi-final with Southampton.
The Dale Farm Milk Cup begins on Monday July 27, across venues from Ballymena to Londonderry, Limavady to Ballymoney and the North Coast.
Last year's event featured teams such as Benfica, Manchester United, Everton and CSKA Moscow plus representatives from as far afield as Australia and China as well as a team representing the Craig Bellamy Foundation - and this year's line-up is expected to be of similar stature.
And Rodgers insists the experience the Academy youngsters will get from the tournament will be invaluable to their development.
"I believe in what the organisers are doing not only in terms of the sport and the extremely high calibre of teams they attract but also from the massive success story as far as selling Northern Ireland across the world," said the Reds boss.
"The Dale Farm Milk Cup is an internationally recognised brand that appeals to all ages and all nationalities.
"It is something that engenders terrific pride in people both at home and across the entire globe. Anyone who has been to the tournament remembers it fondly.
"In terms of what we are striving to achieve with young players at Anfield, the competition cannot be underestimated. It gives players the challenge of tournament football in a stimulating environment and at the highest level."