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Liverpool claimed their place in the last eight with a 3-0 win over Burnley at Turf Moor to knock the Clarets out and set up a dream tie for the Carlisle boys when they run out on the Anfield pitch. Reds striker Michael Nardiello scored the first goal after 55 minutes, then highly-rated ex-Hull City youngster Paul Anderson made his mark on the game in the latter stages with some great trickery on the right-wing. Anderson was the creator for both the second and third Liverpool goals which came from Craig Lindfield in the space of a minute around the 76 minute mark.
The Merseyside giants play in Group C of the FA Barclaycard Premiership Academy and currently sit in fourth spot, in a group of nine teams, four points behind leaders Manchester City, although Liverpool do have two games in hand on the Citizens.
As a Premiership side the Reds entered the FA Youth Cup in the third round where they defeated Cardiff City 2-0 at home, the goals coming from Austrian under-21 international midfielder Besian Idrizaj and Jimmy Ryan. In the last 32 they knocked out the holders from last season, Ipswich Town, with a 2-1 victory, again at home, this time the goals being scored in the second-half by Paul Anderson and Ryan Flynn, either side of a Town equaliser by Stuart Ainsley.
Carlisle have beaten Macclesfield 3-1, Doncaster 5-3 on penalties, Chipstead 5-1, Huddersfield 2-1 and Sheffield United 2-0 to date and have done unbelievably well to get to the last eight of the premier Youth Team competition in the country. All those ties have been at home though with the draw being amazingly kind to the young Blues so far so they can't really complain with being drawn away, and have even less reason to complain now they will be playing at Anfield in four days time.
Liverpool Youth Squad
Paul Anderson
Born 23-7-88, Winger/Forward (Reserves). Recent arrival from Hull City in swap deal involving John Welsh, Anderson has wasted no time making an impression at reserve level, and scored the winner in a recent victory over Sunderland. He can play on either flank or up front, and is a tough little lad who loves a tackle. Quick, two footed and skillful, Paul has been outstanding in the competition so far and is a real dangerman.
Godwin Antwi
Born 7-6-88, Defender (Reserves). Powerfully built 17 year old from Ghana, who arrived at Liverpool last summer via Real Sociedad. A regular in the reserves this season, he began the season up front due to an injury crisis, but in recent weeks he has found a home in his preferred berth of centre back, where he has been absolutely outstanding
Paul Barratt
Midfielder (2nd Year). Possibly the reds’ best player over the two youth cup games last season, Paul was a regular in the reserve set up last year as well. This year hasn’t been good for him, as the increased numbers in the u18 set up means he has been in and out of the side. His versatility makes him a useful player to have around, and he will probably be amongst the substitutes.
Charlie Barnett
Midfielder (1st Year). Talented youngster who is having a very good season for the u18s. Charlie can score goals as well as create them, and he will probably be vying with Paul Anderson and Paul Barratt for a place on the right of midfield, he is definitely a player to keep an eye on.
Michael Burns
Born 14-9-88. Midfielder (1st Year). Left sided former England schoolboy international, Michael’s pace and sweet left foot give the side good balance when he plays. His opportunities have been limited this season though, and he’s unlikely to dislodge Anderson or Hammill from the side.
Stephen Darby
Defender (1st Year). Mr Dependable and skipper of the side. Darby has been a fixture in John Owens’ u18 side this season, and has played both full back positions as well as centre back. Possesses a fantastic attitude and work ethic, and just gets on with his job regardless of where he is asked to play.
Ryan Flynn
Midfielder (1st Year). Summer signing from Falkirk, Ryan is a neat and tidy midfielder with a good engine. He played well in the tune up game last week against Stoke, and looks to be in pole position to partner Jimmy Ryan in the centre, although he faces competition from Charlie Barnett and Paul Barratt.
James Frayne
Born 27-9-87. Forward (2nd Year)‘Frayney’ has been in and out of the u18 side this season, as John Owens has had to juggle his side to give all six of his strikers opportunities to play. Quick, with an eye for goal, Frayne is a talented striker who is the nephew of former Anfield number one David James.
Adam Hammill
Born 25-1-88. Winger (2nd Year). Mercurial winger who on his day can be brilliant. One of the most skilful players you’ll ever see, Adam possesses every trick known to man. His weaknesses are his decision making and final ball. If he’s on his game, he’s fantastic to watch. If he isn’t, he’s infuriating but he has impressed for both u18 and reserve sides this season.
Jack Hobbs
Born 18-8-88. Defender (Reserves). Summer signing from Lincoln who has been playing for the reserves in a holding midfield role this season. He is naturally a centre half, and the midfield experiment is intended to improve his ability on the ball. Very tall and very strong, Hobbs has formed a formidable centre back partnership with Antwi.
Jordan Holmes
Born 12-1-88. Defender (2nd Year). England youth international right back, who played in both youth cup games at Anfield last season, even getting on the scoresheet in the rout of Wealdstone. A very dependable full back who goes about his job with the minimum of fuss and just goes out and gets the job done.
Beslan Idrizaj
Born 12-10-87. Liverpool secured the signing of Austrian left winger Besian Idrizaj from Linzer ASK and he has signed a contract until June 2007. Idrizaj is 17 and is Austria's current young player of the year, and signed after a trial spell with the club.The boyhood Liverpool fan is an attacking midfielder and has taken squad number 32 in the first-team this season.
Craig Lindfield
Forward (1st Year). Tall, rangy frontman who is the u18 side’s top marksman this season. A good finisher who takes up excellent positions and works very hard for the side. Craig will be competing with Frayne and Nardiello for a starting place.
Josh Mimms
Son of former Everton goalkeeper Bobby Mimms. Josh joined the reds from Rotheram in the summer of 2005 after impressing on a trial at the end of the 2004/05 season.
Michael Nardiello
Born 14-10-86. Forward (1st Year). Aggressive frontman who arrived at the club in the summer after leaving Manchester United. An England u17 international who is highly rated and has played for the reserves this season. A physical player who is good in the air, and has an eye for goal, he will more than likely make the starting line up.
David Roberts
Goalkeeper (1st year). David already has experience of the youth cup, having played twice at Anfield last season as a 16 year old. Performed well in both games, and has been in good form for the u18’s this season.
Miki Roque
Born 8-7-88. Defender (Reserves). Spanish youngster who has been a regular in the reserve side this season at centre back. ‘Miki’ settled in immediately after arriving from Llieda in the summer, and the 17 year old has turned in a number of assured displays. Likely to be used at right back and scored on his debut for the u18s in the 2-1 win over Stoke.
Jimmy Ryan
Midfielder (1st Year). The heartbeat of the side, Jimmy is a very talented player who keeps the team ticking over. Always available for a pass, he’s strong in possession and rarely gives the ball away. Possesses a powerful shot, good vision and a strong work ethic. The Xabi Alonso of the u18 side scouser Jimmy is a schoolboy international with Ireland.
Francis Smith
Born 23-9-87. Tough tackling, all action midfield player, who was given a chance at u17 level in 2002/03 season due to injuries to Mark Jones and David Mannix. Acquitted himself well despite giving up a few years to most opponents, as he'd been promoted from the u14's. Was a regular starter the following season for Dave Shannon's side, and also made his mark at u19 level, coming off the bench to score on his debut.
2004/05 was a bad season for Francis, who was sidelined for much of the campaign with various serious injuries. Smith is looking to make up for lost time in 2005/06.
Robbie Threlfall
Robbie is a promising left sided defender who is making good progress through the Academy ranks. A part of the hugely successful group known at the Academy as the 'Dream Team', Robbie was the first to be moved up to the u18 group on a regular basis.
With a few defensive injuries to contend with, John Owens' side needed some re-enforcements, and Threlfall was promoted from Dave Shannon's u16 group. Robbie has played left back and centre half, and is a good competitor who is comfortable on the ball.
He started the 2005/06 season in excellent form, but was struck down by a serious knee injury which sidelined him until January.
All player profiles taken from The Liverpool Way website.