YOUNGSTERS TO GET A GO

Last updated : 10 October 2004 By Editor

"We have several young players who are approaching that level.

"Richie Jones is doing very well, as are young Guiseppe Rossi and Gerard Pique, and Floribert N'Galula.

"They are players that are improving quite rapidly. There is also young defender Paul McShane.

"The only thing you have to counsel yourself on with young players is that you want to see them when they get into that situation where they have a chance of being involved with the first team.

"You're looking to see how they cope with crossing that line, crossing the Rubicon.

"I always say to Brian McClair, Ricky Sbragia and Francisco Filho, `Tell me when you've got a player that is ready to step up, and we'd take him into our first-team training'.

"That way we can give him a taste of training with the first team, but also have a look at him.

"The upside is that we can assess their technique and ability, and also view their temperament and whether or not they are fazed by being involved with the first team."