Liverpool's Academy youngsters were given a warm Anfield welcome recently as they trained on the pitch during half-time of the first team’s meetings with Stoke City and Manchester City.

On Tuesday, December 27, the pre-Academy side took to the pitch during the 4-1 Premier League victory over Stoke City, before the U7s trained on the hallowed turf at half-time of the Reds' 1-0 win against Manchester City on Saturday, December 31.

During the success against the Potters, Academy coach James Williams took the youngsters on to the pitch for some small-sided games in front of the 53,000-strong crowd.

Following on from this, Academy coach Ryan Vaughan took the U7s onto the pitch during the final home fixture of 2016 against Manchester City, much to the delight of the home supporters.

Head of Academy pre recruitment, Ian Barrigan, said: “It is absolutely brilliant to be able to take the boys on to the pitch to play some small sided matches in front of so many people.

"For the lads to see the likes of Firmino and Lallana up close is an unbelievable experience for them and one that will live with them for a long time.”