Wednesday was a great night for the Academy with the three Liverpool youngsters making their debuts against Bournemouth and the news that Steve Heighway was getting back on board, writes Neil Mellor.

I know we brought Joao Carlos Teixeria from Portugal but seeing Connor Randall and Cameron Brannagan both play was great because I don't think enough young English players get an opportunity.

It shows that good things are going on down at Kirkby with Alex Inglethorpe.

Steve was always very honest and I will always remember his advice he gave me when I signed full time at 16, he told me he was preparing me for the day I left Liverpool whether that was 1 year, 10 years or 15 years.

I lasted seven but the point is players need to know football is a tough, ruthless industry and its very difficult to stay at a club like Liverpool for a period of time.

Alex has been great for the Academy and I'm delighted he has allowed a connection to the past bringing Steve in who will add I'm sure to great things already going on down there.

There were a lot of clever things which he got into people's heads that helped with your progression and going on in your career as well.

He had a huge influence on not just myself but the likes of Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher.

One thing he insisted on was that he would not allow agents anywhere near players.

He called it the 'magic triangle'; the player, the coach and parent.

There were no outside influences allowed.

A great week for the Academy and plenty of optimism we can bring through a few of our own into first team players of the future.

Source: Liverpool Echo