Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers out to find local talent In his autobiography, Carragher emphasised that it was harder than ever for home-produced players to make an impact at the elite clubs. "Liverpool, like many top clubs, have suffered because it's impossible to guarantee top-class players breaking through on a regular basis," he wrote. Where are north London boys emerging through the Arsenal and Spurs ranks? How many Salford Boys have made their debut at Old Trafford since the mid-Nineties? Rodgers wants to address the issue urgently, the sporadic track record of Liverpool's academy not yet reflecting the idealistic portrait that decorated the entrance hall when it was opened in 1998. On that afternoon, an emblematic photograph highlighted the seven first-team players of the time, the shining stars of one of the most celebrated youth systems in Europe - Gerrard, Carragher, Robbie Fowler, Steve McManaman, Michael Owen, David Thompson and Dominic Matteo. All seven appeared on the same 16-man team sheet in the Premier League on Feb 13 1999 - a 1-0 defeat to Charlton. Although, as at most clubs, the early rounds of the League Cup and FA Cup include numerous fresh-faced teenagers, there has been nothing comparable in terms of established first-teamers on league duty since then. From Gérard Houllier to Rafael Benítez, Kenny Dalglish and now Rodgers, Liverpool managers have tried to blood youngsters with limited success, eventually determining the risks are too great to persist with potential over experience. There have been 26 debutants emerging directly from the Anfield academy since Gerrard in 1999, although it would be harsh to suggest they have all failed. Some, such as Stephen Warnock and Martin Kelly, have won England caps and there is certainly a sense of renaissance in Liverpool's youth set-up following changes in recent years. However, even the player who shone most this season - teenager Raheem Sterling - was signed as a 15 year-old from Queens Park Rangers. Andre Wisdom, the young right-back who has established himself in the senior side and signed a new long-term deal yesterday, joined the Liverpool academy from Bradford. Since Gerrard, most agree Liverpool have not given a debut to a genuine, world-class talent who was born within the city's boundaries. Instead, the fashion has been to look abroad, partly through choice, more often than not through necessity. "It is sexy to look in Spain and I am one who loves working with European players," said Rodgers. All my life I have worked with players from different parts of the world. But we mustn't forget what is on our doorstep and, for me, this is a hotbed for footballers who have a passion, hunger and incredible qualities. That is a massive part of my job and something we are trying to put in place. Carragher, whose absence will be felt in terms of the character of the Liverpool team as much as his defensive expertise, believes when the local players make the step up, they not only offer talent, but something more valuable - the empathy of those who pay to watch them every week. "The next world-class Merseyside teenager to make his debut at Anfield will feel the breath of 40,000 sighs of relief as fears of the extinction of local talent are eased," he said.