Friday, 24th September 2010
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has backed Roy Hodgson’s decision to throw a number of kids and fringe players into the club’s League Cup tie against Northampton Town. The Reds suffered a shock defeat at home to the League Two outfit in midweek, a fact many put down to Hodgson choosing to trust a side which wasn’t able to get the job done.
However, Gerrard believes the former Fulham manager was entirely right to give players outside the first eleven a chance to show what they could do.
"I can understand everyone’s frustration", said Gerrard to the club’s official website, "but I think the Carling Cup now, when you’re part of a big club and a big squad, is all about giving the young players a chance and the experience, because if you put a strong side out then the young players will never get the chance to experience playing in front of big crowds and in big competitions."
And the Liverpool skipper suggested it is not all doom and gloom, with a number of players set to learn from the loss.
"Although we’ve gone out and everyone is down and disappointed, the experience that would have given the lads in the dressing room might be crucial for the future."
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