Some of Liverpool’s youngsters have been involved in international action for their under-21 teams this evening.
Goalkeeper Scott Carson had a mixed night as England drew with Germany 2-2. After making a number of very good saves, including one from a curling German free-kick and another from a powerful left-foot volley, but ended the night on a low.
With just three minutes left Carson’s attempted clearance rebounded off a German player leading to an equaliser.
John Welsh also made an appearance in the game, coming on for the second half. He’ll be glad of the experience as the current Anfield injury crisis means there’s a good chance Welsh will be called up to play for the first team.
The England under-21 manager, Peter Taylor, spoke about Carson’s misfortune after the game: “I am sure Scott is feeling very down at the minute but he will get his confidence up. All the good players over the years have this kind of situation and bounce back and I am sure Scott will be the same. He came in and apologised to all the boys, which is good enough in itself. I think the next time it happens he will kick it straight off, his body shape would have made it easier to kick it for a throw-in. But he has got our backing, he is a very good keeper.”
Also tonight Liverpool midfielder Darren Potter, another player likely to be in first team contention in the coming weeks, played for the Republic of Ireland under-21s as they fell to 3-1 away defeat to Israel.