A glimpse at the respective benches at Old Trafford on Monday evening made clear the injury crisis affecting Liverpool at present. But absences from the first team have also shone a spotlight on the work being done at the Academy.
Both Bobby Clark and Stefan Bajcetic, who were involved through pre-season, were among the substitutes at Manchester United, along with reserve goalkeeper Harvey Davies.
All three had featured for the under-21s two days earlier as they earned their first Premier League 2 win of the season with a 1-0 triumph against Blackburn Rovers at the Academy, with versatile Clark and defensive midfielder Bajcetic given the first 45 minutes to keep their fitness ticking over.
