With Jon Welsh and Ritchie Partridge playing their first games under Rafael Benitez against Middlesbrough the Academy is looking a valuable asset again to the delight of McAuley.
McAuley said: "We have been saying we have good players waiting for a chance for a long time and they have had to be patient. The big thing is that the manager has had the confidence to play them and they rewarded him with an all-round team performance against Middlesbrough. It's good that these boys are getting opportunities to play at that level.
"Richie Partridge is getting fitter with every game. He was on song against Wolves and getting back to his best form and he will be pleased to get a first team game against Middlesbrough. It is pleasing for him that he is getting his form back.
"John Welsh will have been pleased to get a chance in the game. He settled in well and it did his confidence the hell of a good and it can only stand him in good stead for the future.
"I was pleased for Neil to score the two goals especially at Anfield. He is a player who mostly scores in near every game he plays in. He is always going to get chances and he misses some but that is the sign of a good striker.
"It's good to see him a lot fitter now and putting himself about and working hard and getting his rewards."