Liverpool Academy Is Our Pipeline To Sucess, Insists Ayre

Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre believes the youth academy will be basis of the club's future success.

As the Reds were unable to spend as affluently last summer as they have been able to do in the past, Brendan Rodgers looked to the club's youth ranks, with a number of success stories emerging throughout the season.

A total of seven Liverpool players were handed their first team debuts last season, with youngsters Martin Kelly, Jon Flanagan and Raheem Sterling all playing a role in the manager's squad having made their first team bows in previous campaigns. With more debutants expected next season, Ayre believes the youth ranks will prove to be essential to the club's continued progression.

"Both John Henry and Tom Werner have been to the academy and they see it as a pipeline to success. You can't really put a price on it," Ayre told Liverpool's official website.

"How can you put a price on the contribution we've had over the years from Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher? The owners are hugely supportive and see great value in the work that's done at the academy."

Former Swansea manager Rodgers has won acclaim for his focus on youth. The manager's penchant for signing younger players has been evident - albeit to different success levels - throughout last season, with Fabio Borini (22), Joe Allen (23), Oussama Assaidi (24), Samed Yesil (18), Daniel Sturridge (23), and Philippe Coutinho (20) all with their best years ahead of them.

In addition to his signings, Andre Wisdom, Suso, Jerome Sinclair, Adam Morgan, Connor Coady and Jordan Ibe were given their first taste of first team action by the Northern Irishman.

Rodgers' attitude to youth saw the club readjust their academy upon his arrival, changes that will have Liverpool reaping the benefits in the future, Ayre believes.

"When Brendan came in last year we made significant changes to the way we play football and run the club," he added. "One of the things on his CV was that he understood the operation at the academy, embraces youth and sees the value of bringing players through.

"To have seven debutants in one season says it all and hopefully it is the start of something special. We are blessed with the talent we have coming through now and that's a testament to Frank (McParland, academy director) and his team. The challenge is to keep going."