Jack Hobbs

[GloriousReds]

Jamie Carragher has backed Jack Hobbs to seize his opportunity if he makes his Liverpool bow against Reading in the Carling Cup tomorrow.

The Reds vice-captain has followed the former Lincoln City player's progress since he moved to the club two-and-a-half years ago and after seeing him star in the Youth Cup success of 2005 Carragher is convinced the 19-year-old is ready to make the step up. "Jack has done very well and we have been impressed with him in training," said Carragher. "He came in from Lincoln and was a massive part of us winning the Youth Cup two years on the trot. "Now he is captain of the reserves and he deserves his chance. That is what the club is about, giving young lads the chance to play alongside our foreign players. "People sometimes complain about the amount of foreign players coming in, so it is good that a good English lad can get the chance to show what he can do. "He deserves his chance, but that is up to the manager. Someone will be asked to play alongside him, but the lad might end up helping one of us through the game. "Everyone needs help, no matter who they are. If he gets his chance I am sure he will grab it and do well."

[Freddy Adu]

Liverpool add Hobbs squad

Liverpool youngster Jack Hobbs has been promoted to the first team squad for tonight's big Champions League clash at Besiktas.

The teenage defender, signed last year from Lincoln City, has been training with Rafa Benitez's first team since preseason and captains the reserves.

[Freddy Adu]

Hyypia impressed by Liverpool youngster Hobbs

Sami Hyypia can see a little bit of himself in Liverpool teammate Jack Hobbs.

Hobbs made his debut in this week's Carling Cup victory over Cardiff City and Hyypia told liverpoolfc.tv: "It was a very good start for Jack.

"His performance was very solid and hopefully he will have many more games to come.

"He is still young and he has a lot to learn but he is willing to learn and to listen to what people say to him.

"Sometimes he looks to the likes of Jamie Carragher or myself for advice and, of course, we are more than happy to help.

"I can see a lot of myself in him. I think he has similar qualities to me but I think he is better than I was when I was 19.

"Hopefully, his improvement will continue and he will keep on getting better and be a player for the future of this club."

One of the standout features of Hobbs' display was his ability to start play from the back.

Hyypia joked: "It was also good to see that he has the confidence to bring the ball out of defence because maybe he is better to do that than me now!"