Liverpool's kids were praised by Jurgen Klopp for their heroic display in their defeat to Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup.
Liverpool fielded their youngest-ever side against Villa with an average age of 19 years and six months and boss Neil Critchley claims they did Klopp proud.
Under-23s boss Critchley said: “We had some information at half-time from the manager to keep playing the way we were playing and to be brave.
“He was out there watching with his staff and the players. I hope, and I’m sure, he will be proud of the way they played tonight.”
Critchley, who fielded five full debutants, claimed some of his kids would be flying out to Qatar to join up with the senior squad.
“One or two may be sneaking off to join up with that group and I’m sure they will be well received,” he said.
“I couldn’t tell you the names yet and we just need to check on them first.”
Liverpool’s youngsters had more possession and shots than Villa and Dean Smith and John Terry went into the away dressing room to congratulate them.
Critchley thanked them for this classy gesture, saying: “That was a special moment.
“For Dean Smith and John Terry to come in to our dressing room after the game and say the complimentary words they said was really special.
“They said ‘keep going, good luck’ and wished us the best. I will remember that and the players will remember that for the rest of their lives. That was top, top class.”
Smith began his coaching career working with kids and he felt it was important to congratulate them on their display, even though it was Liverpool’s heaviest loss to Villa since 1932.
“I started my coaching career, coaching young players, 18s and 23s, and I know what it’s like to lose 5-0,” said the Villa boss.
“At times like that, you can forget about the performance and only think about the result.
“We just told the Liverpool players, ‘well done’ and to keep working at what they are doing.
“It was great to see them on that stage tonight, we had to be very professional.
“It was a bit of a weird game, probably the weirdest one I’ve been involved in for a quarter-final of a major competition.”
