This fearless youngster shows why age should be no barrier

Looking at the Liverpool’s team sheet for last Thursday’s Europa League match against Napoli at the Stadio San Paolo, you would forgive many Reds fans for thinking we could be on the end of a drubbing if we are not careful. For a number of reasons, this concern proved to be unfounded as the Reds pretty comfortably eked out a 0-0 which puts them in charge of their group going into the last three matches. The most impressive thing about the draw was that three youngsters played in the team: Jay Spearing, Martin Kelly and Jonjo Shelvey, with Shelvey being the most surprising inclusion. Shelvey however turned out to be big success on the night, and took the occasion in his stride. The hostile atmosphere did not get to him at all:

“It’s a hostile place to come and you knew that with the way the crowd were. They were banging on the bus when we were on the way to the stadium. So it was very satisfying to get a result. It’s massive for everyone at the club. Personally I’m delighted as I’ve been waiting for my chance to show the Gaffer that I am good enough.”

No sense of nerves, Shelvey just went out to play without fear and it proves as long you are mature enough mentally and have the footballing ability, it shouldn’t matter what age you are. At 18 years of age, nobody expected a great deal from Shelvey, but with a point to prove, the former Charlton Athletic player played his own game with a highlight being a fantastic cross field pass in the first half that nearly fell to David Ngog.

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