BRENDAN RODGERS is intent on keeping a Scouse heart beating in the Liverpool side for many years to come.

Homegrown duo Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher have proven hugely influential for Liverpool during the past 15 years.

Both, though, are in the final stages of their careers, with Rodgers actively seeking to bring through local talent.

And the Liverpool manager, who has acquired a reputation for encouraging the promotion of youth, is convinced there remains plenty of untapped potential in the city.

"Can you name me the best two players in England in the last six or seven years? Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney," said Rodgers.

"They’re Scousers. One is from that part of the city and the other from that part. So you are not telling me there are not top young talents in Liverpool.

"My big thing is getting in young players in here from the local area here in Liverpool. From Liverpool. Just look at the history here: Carragher, Gerrard, McManaman, Fowler, Owen."

An increasing number of clubs are looking to copy the Barcelona model of investing and nurturing local talent.

And Rodgers added: "It is sexy to look in Spain and I am one who loves working with European players and I love working with the talents and all my life I have worked with players from different parts of the world.

"But we mustn’t forget what is on our doorstep and, for me, this is a hot bed for footballers who have a passion, hunger and incredible qualities. That is a massive part of my job and something we are trying to put in place."

Jack Robinson, Jon Flanagan, Conor Coady and Adam Morgan – who is on loan at Rotherham United – have all emerged from the Academy ranks during the last few years.

However, the three youngsters to have made the biggest breakthrough this season, Raheem Sterling, Andre Wisdom and Suso, were all bought in at an early age.