Gerrard's not kidding around

Posted Sunday, July 07, 2013 by The Sun

CHALLENGE ... Gerrard wants kids to step up

LIVERPOOL skipper Steven Gerrard reckons the club’s youngsters need to step up and make an impact this season.

Manager Brendan Rodgers gave seven academy graduates opportunities last season and Gerrard thinks it is time some start to take more responsibility.

The Kop captain thinks it is only a matter of time before they must shake off the promising youngsters tag and become first-team regulars.

Gerrard said: “You only get described as a young lad for a certain amount of time and then it’s time to become a man and perform on a consistent basis.

“There is great talent at the club at a young age; the manager has been trying to get a young group of players together that can perform well for him.

“It’s a big season for a lot of players — you look at Raheem Sterling and Jordan Henderson.

“Of course it’s a big season for every player we’ve got, but I think the supporters will be looking for the young lads to step up now, try to push people out of the way and become regulars in the team.

“I’m certainly looking forward to seeing what happens with those young players.”

Gerrard believes the way Rodgers brought members of the club’s academy into the first-team set-up over the last year is vital for their development.

The 33-year-old added: “The manager is fantastic with the way he does it.

"He invites a lot of young players down to train with the team all the time.

“It’s great experience to come down and play with the first team.

“When they come down permanently, they have sampled it and they know what they’re in for.

“I’m excited because if the young lads show the manager that they are good enough, he’s certainly shown to everyone that he’s not scared of playing them. It’s going to be exciting.”