“We tried to get an equaliser and they hit us on the counter attack again. That was a body-blow and it left us vulnerable.

“It is a lesson for the lads to learn where even if you are dominating games you can be caught. But they are young boys and they will learn from it. They are better making those mistakes now and learning from them than at first-team level.”

Last Tuesday, Liverpool played their final home match of the season and beat Sheffield United 5-0.

David Amoo scored twice, while further goals from Alex Kacaniklic, Adam Dawson and substitute Tom Ince secured an impressive win with assistant manager Sammy Lee watching on.

McAuley was happy to get extra time with his squad ahead of Friday’s clash. He said: “We had a good full training session and some match preparation. It was the first chance we have had to get most of the team together. We are looking forward to the final.”

Both Buchtmann and top scorer Lauri Dalla Valle, who has also been away with Finland under-21s, will return this week. McAuley has injury concerns over Spanish centre-back Daniel Ayala, who has a groin problem, and striker Nathan Eccleston, who is recovering from a virus. Both are expected to be fit, with only midfielder Adam Pepper, who injured his groin in the semi-final, definitely out.

LIVERPOOL UNDER-18s (v Bolton): Chamberlain; Flanagan, Coady, McGiveron, Rodden; Dawson (Jiglio 70), King, Sumner (Roberts-Nurse 70), Walsh; Lapado, Osobe. Subs: Duyan, Whittle, Morgan.