Jay Spearing

Born on the Wirral, Jay Spearing is a local midfielder who is knocking on the first team door, after spending nearly ten years at the Academy, which included two successive FA Youth Cup triumphs. He then played a crucial role as Gary Ablett’s second string clinched the FA Premier Reserve League title in 2007-08. Seen as a defender during his rise through the ranks, he made his senior debut as a substitute in a Champions League clash with PSV on December 9, 2008. Although only small, he makes up for his lack of inches with his tremendous energy, as he showed in an eye-catching cameo performance when the mighty Real Madrid were humbled 4-0 in March 2009. The following season saw his Premier League debut against Sunderland and towards the end of that campaign he spent two months gaining experience with Championship side Leicester City, for whom he made nine appearances and scored one goal. This experience proved invaluable in 2010-11, when he played regularly for Liverpool’s senior side under both Roy Hodgson and Kenny Dalglish. Injuries to the likes of Steven Gerrard ensured Spearing got 20 chances to impress – and he proved himself more than worthy of the call-up.