"I'd say we have probably played a few more schoolboys than usual in the under-17 team this season but I believe that bodes well for the future
"They've all rose to the challenge and all done exceptionally well. For the likes of Jimmy Ryan, Michael Burns, Jay Spearing and Charlie Barnett it has been an extremely valuable learning curve and I've been really pleased with their performances."
Jon Ostemobor and Jon Welsh have both played for the first team this season although no Academy player has become a first team regular since Steven Gerrard.