ACADEMY FOOTBALL: Hugh McAuley switches Liverpool's focus to the league

Apr 28 2009 by Chris Wright, Liverpool Daily Post

FOLLOWING the highs of reaching a third FA Youth Cup final in the past four years Liverpool under-18s turn their attentions to the FA Premier Academy League.

Hugh McAuley’s side will face Arsenal at the end of next month in a two-legged final, but they have four league matches before then, startingon Saturday with a trip to Barnsley (11am).

Liverpool have two other away fixtures at Sunderland and Bolton Wanderers, and their final home game against Sheffield United at the Kirkby Academy is on May 12.

McAuley will be keen his side concentrate fully on the league and go into the two-legged final with Arsenal in winning form.

Three wins out of four would see Liverpool, currently in fifth place, finish the season in third behind north west winners Manchester City.

As well as trying to finish as high as they can, Liverpool will use the matches as preparation for their big final date first at the Emirates on Friday, May 22, with the return at Anfield the following Tuesday.

McAuley has been pleased with the progress of the younger members of his squad in recent weeks. They will be a key part of the side next season.