Neil Mellor has shone in the Under-19's side during the 2001/02 season, socring 19 goals, and got a break in the first team in the 2002/03 season.
With a surplus of strikers in the first team squad, Mellor has learned to be patient and sieze his opportunities to shine whenever he can.
He was loaned out to first division West Ham United for the 2003/04 season but returned in March after failing to secure a regular first team place.
With Djibril Cisse injured Rafael Benitez gave Mellor a first team place midway through the 2004/05 season and he scored some valuable goals, particularly the last minute winner against Arsenal at Anfield.
However, knee injuries put paid to his season but he hopes to do better during 2005/06.