Liverpool were drawn at home for the Third Round in a row and if they can over-come Spurs at Anfield next week and Everton win at Yeovil it will set up an Anfield derby showdown next month.

Coach John Owens said: "It is an interesting draw, and it would be great if both teams could get through. But the problem is you don't want the players to get too excited and look too far ahead. As ever you need to take one game at a time."

After four weeks off for Christmas the U18s will have been without a competitive game for almost six weeks when they face Spurs next Wednesday.

Last Saturday's cancellation of the derby match with Everton at Kirkby due the high winds was a blow as Owens's side are inactive tomorrow as it is their turn for a free week due the odd number of teams who make up the north west section of the Academy League.

Owens' squad did manage to get some match practice on Wednesday. Liverpool faced Crewe, and made six changes at the break before eventually losing 3-0.

Owens was just glad to get some match action after the long break. He said: "It was good practice and a good work-out. We will have a game among ourselves on Saturday - a full 11-a-side against the under-16s and then we will look forward to Spurs."

Meanwhile defender Jordan Holmes has been named in the John Peacock's 18-man England under-17s squad for the four-team Algarve Tournament.

England take on hosts Portugal as well as France and Norway in the mini-tournament, which starts on January 25.

Reproduced courtesy of the Liverpool Daily Post.