Neil Critchley and his Liverpool U18 squad made their special annual Christmas visit to Alder Hey Children's Hospital on Thursday to bring festive cheer to the young patients.

The Academy players brought smiles to the faces of the children as they delivered presents and also spoke with parents at the West Derby-based children’s hospital.

U18s manager Critchley said: "It is fantastic to be able to visit the hospital and put a smile on the children’s faces. It is a really difficult time of year for the children to be in a hospital, so if we can hand out some presents and selection boxes to cheer them up, then it’s the least we can do.

"The courage of the children at Alder Hey is unbelievable and we can only admire their bravery as they battle to overcome serious illnesses. On behalf of the Academy, I would like to wish all of the patients, families and staff at Alder Hey a merry Christmas and a happy New Year."

Tracy Wilson, manager of the cardiac ward at Alder Hey, said: "The visit really brightened up everyone’s day. The players spent so much time talking to our patients and families and we’ve all enjoyed seeing them. It was a brilliant afternoon."