![Image for [Video] Sterling’s Great Debut Comes With Warning From Kenny](https://cdn.live4liverpool.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/sterling-lfc-wigan.jpg?width=800&aspect_ratio=16:10)
YOUNG starlet Raheem Sterling made his long-awaited Liverpool debut over the weekend and was no doubt the only positive in the shock home defeat to Wigan.
There have been numerous calls for Sterling to be given an opportunity in the first team for some time now, after positive displays whilst playing for the reserves and also representing England at youth level – and he didn’t disappoint during his 16-minute cameo appearance, leaving Reds fans wanting more.
Indeed, his pace and threatening runs even lead John Aldridge to consider giving him the Man of the Match award during his Radio City commentary (although that may have been indicative of the lack of other performers in a red shirt).
However the excitement in seeing Sterling’s ability on the big stage was quickly downplayed as manager Kenny Dalglish warned his youngsters will not be used unless absolutely necessary, whilst also suggesting that he had only named the starlet on the bench because of squad injuries. When asked whether we could now expect to see more of his electrifying young winger, Dalglish replied:
“You just need to draw your horses back a bit. He wouldn’t have been there if we weren’t in the position we were in [regarding injuries]. It is nice to see the kids get a game but it is also better for us to look after them and manage them. We are not going to throw kids in and destroy them, but it is nice to see them on the pitch.”
Apart from 17-year old Sterling, 19-year old Jon Flanagan also played, as did 20-year old midfielder JonJo Shelvey who replaced £20 million winger Stewart Downing, and for whom Dalglish at least singled out for praise:
“Jonjo Shelvey also came on and gave us a bit of a lift.”
Still, after what was the Reds fifth defeat in six Premier League games, not to mention Wigan’s first ever victory at Anfield, Sterling’s (overdue?) first team debut provided something positive. Let’s hope the management finally do give the starlets a chance to prevail, were the expensive flops have failed.
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I wouldn’t get any hopes up. He won’t be played anytime soon and I expect him to have played his last game for the 1st team before he departs for a team that will value him ( Wenger no doubt).
kenny trying to prove his overpriced signings will only stop sterling adam morgan shelvey being handed the first team opportunity
Well said! He’s just jealous that he hasn’t brought in anyone of any worth! They’re all Rafa’s young signings! Trust me, soon Borrello and Pep are going to get fed up and leave very very soon! When they were Barca, look how many young players they coached and developed became first teamers and stars! Why should anyone trust Kenny to be honest! He plays Henderson every god forsaken game and he’s just as bad as Sean Dundee (Remember how bad he was!)! and Daglish wants to know why he’s not winning! Well Rafa spent 1.6mill on Shelvey and he’s 100000 times better than Jordan “stiff neck” Henderson! If Daglish lets Sterling go to another club, then I draw the line and eventhough he should be sacked now, he should be sacked and banished from Anfield! and hey Daglish, YOU ARE SO NOT THE BEST LFC PLAYER EVER! He played with a power house team!! Gerrard didn’t!
Who knows what Kenny’s thinking. He surely feels in a very difficult position at the moment. If he plays the youngsters and they outperform his signings then he opens himself up to even more criticism. He can’t take credit for the academy because it was Rafa brainchild which would then call into question his own transfer policy. I can see the red tops now, “Rafa’s youngsters save King Kenny”.
Unfortunately the parting gift that Hicks and Gillet allowed Purslow to give us in my view was always going to be the most damaging. LFC is a profitable business, and was never really going to go bust. There was always going to be someone who took us over. The club would always survive, but the sacking of Rafa has been the most damaging. I would have kept him even at the expense of Gerrard and Carragher as I’ve mentioned many times before on these pages. I would have re-employed Rafa ahead of Dalglish as well. I won’t say anything bad about Kenny, but the alarm bells started to ring in my head after seeing some of the players he signed. Every player Rafa signed is massively outperforming Kenny’s. Kenny knows he’s got it wrong that’s why every time you see him he looks about ready to cry because it hurts. Sadly, I think he’s bitten off more than he can chew.
Time to let the younger players get some first team experience, keep the first teamers sharp and hungry for the Cup competition.
Rafa was the best manager for liverpool, and indeed he brought in the best possible player’s. We had the best team when Rafa was around. I think it’s time for Kenny to step down. The signing’s he made with the money he was given was poor.