But he has been ably supported this season by fellow forward Nathan Eccleston, pacy right-winger David Amoo, attacker Tom Ince – son of former Liverpool captain Paul, Swedish wide man Alex Kacaniklic and the unfortunate Adam Pepper – the midfielder who is out of the final after he was injured in the semi-final against Birmingham.

Australian keeper Dean Bouzanis has been a safe pair of hands, while centre-backs Daniel Ayala and Joe Kennedy, the dependable Steve Irwin, the versatile Andre Wisdom and German full-back Christopher Buchtmann – fresh from helping his country win the UEFA U17s European Championships on Monday – have all proved their worth in the Youth Cup so far.

McAuley feels his side, like many Youth Cup-winning teams of the past, have progressed with each round.

He said: “They lads have grown into the tournament. They have improved as the competition has gone on, which most teams do. We have played some tricky games, some good games and deserve to be in the final with how they have played.”

As ever, though, progress through the ranks is the ultimate aim for the youngsters and McAuley believes the Youth Cup is an excellent vehicle to help them achieve that.

He added: “This type of competition is great for the lad’s development and gives them great experience. They have had the experience of the run and are now ready to play Arsenal. The best players, the ones you hope will go on and do particular well. This is a chance for them to play their football, show what they can do and what they are made of.”

Liverpool hope defender Ayala will be fit after a groin injury, while forward Eccleston should also be available following a virus.

LIVERPOOL YOUTH (from): Bouzanis, Irwin, Ayala, Kennedy, Buchtmann, Amoo, Wisdom, Ince, Kacaniklic, Eccleston, Dalla Valle, Robinson, Chamberlain, Clair, Coady, Metcalf.