Liverpool Reserves made an unusual move to Melwood to play their reserve game against Norwich, and the Canaries were demolished 4-0 in the process.
Due to pitch problems at the LFC Academy a late decision was made to move the game, and the reds put out a stronger line up than usual. Sebastian Coates, Fabio Aurelio and Jonjo Shelvey all took part for Rodolfo Borrell’s men.
John Flanagan set up Nathan Eccleston for the first goal just 7 minutes in to the game, and it was Eccleston who doubled the reds lead after an assist from Raheem Sterling.
Sterling himself grabbed the 3rd, before Jonjo Shelvey fired in the 4th – chesting down in the box and firing in the half volley in front of the Liverpool training centre.
Jonjo Shelvey returned from Blackpool after Lucas Leiva’s injury but has been used sparingly in the first team since then – something he clearly isn’t happy about – and rightly so in our opinion.
He said:
“It was good to be out there and get a game because I haven’t played much recently, so it was good to show the boss what I can do.
“I want to try and play in the FA Cup (against Brighton) and hopefully be a part of the (Carling Cup) final. That would be lovely and something I could tell my grandkids about when I have them in the future!
“I just want to keep pushing on in training every day and try to force my hand. Hopefully I can get a few starts and come off the bench.”
Dalglish, who was watching on with the rest of the backroom staff said:
“It was a useful exercise.
“It was important for the likes of Fabio, Jonjo, Flanno and Seb to get a run out, certainly better than training.
“Their attitude was right and they applied themselves in the right manner. You’ve got to be fair to everyone and get them as fit as you can.”
Kenny also praised the return of Jack Robinson, who has been out injured for three months:
“It was Robbo’s first game for a long time and it was good to see him back.
“He’s been out for a while but he got an hour under his belt and will really benefit from that.”
Team: Brad Jones, Jon Flanagan, Jack Robinson, Sebastian Coates, Andre Wisdom, Conor Coady, Raheem Sterling, Jonjo Shelvey, Nathan Eccleston, Krisztian Adorjan, Fabio Aurelio.