Heighway to heaven

Liverpool Academy Director Steve Heighway admitted his side got 'battered' by Manchester City on Friday night.

Heighway had to sit and watch nervously as Daniel Sturridge dismantled the Reds' three goal lead from the first leg.

The England Under-17 international fired in a stunning opening goal on 32 minutes before lashing home a second just after the interval.

The Sky Blues huffed and puffed, with Sturridge, Kelvin Etuhu and Micah Richards all going close, but Liverpool somehow held on to secure their first Youth Cup triumph since the class of Michael Owen and Jamie Carragher in 1996.

"City were awesome," said a generous Heighway, who had received good luck text messages from Stevie Gerrard and Carragher before the game. "They were tremendous. We never won a header, did not win a second ball but somehow we've won the tie. I was reminded of the Alamo - I was like Davey Crockett. We won it the hard way."

Heighway's Liverpool gave themselves a three-goal cushion after a superb display at Anfield the previous week - a performance which ultimately sealed the trophy.

"It was never going to be an easy game. From the first whistle, we were forced back. They were irresistible. It just shows how well we did last week. We could have scored six or seven at Anfield," he added.

Many of the game's best players have won The Youth Cup - Owen, Beckham, Scholes to name just three - and with Friday night's success, Liverpool, whose history of producing quality young players is infamous, appear to be ready to usher in another generation of stars.

"We think there is something a little special about us. Our boys got what they deserved - the trophy. There is nothing wrong with being battered if you come through," said Heighway.