Rafa pleased with youth team

The Reds will face Manchester City in the FA Youth Cup final this month. It's the first time since 1996 that Liverpool have reached this stage and Benitez says it is an encoraging sign but warns it will count for nothing if none of the players make it into the first team squad.

"I am pleased to see the young lads in the final. It's good news for the club that a mix of players from Melwood and the Academy are playing well together. This shows we are going in the right direction," said the Liverpool boss.
 
"At the same time, it's important to realise it's not the most important thing to win a trophy. What matters is to see the youngsters continue to progress until eventually they're good enough for the first team.
 
"If it's possible to win the Youth Cup, we will all be very happy. But it will be even better to see those players in the first team."