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In our latest interview with a member of the under-18 squad, we spoke to former Southend United striker Michael Ngoo about life at Liverpool, advice from King Kenny and what he hopes to learn from Thierry Henry.
You've been at Liverpool just over two months now, how have you settled in at the Academy?
It's been great. I've really enjoyed training every day. The set-up is excellent and they are a good bunch of lads too.
You joined the club from Southend, how did you come to play for the Shrimpers?
Well, I grew up in East London in a place called Beckton. I started out playing for a team called Pegasus before going to West Ham. I was released by them and went on trial at Southend. I did well there and continued to train hard and tried to develop. Then Liverpool came in and Manchester United were interested too... I was advised to come here and I'm happy with my choice. I just want to keep pushing on now.
So, for Liverpool fans who are unfamiliar with your style, what type of player are you?
Well I'm a striker. I hold the ball up well and can also play on the shoulder and make runs in behind the defence. I work hard for the team and try to make the right runs so I'm in the right place when crosses come into the box.
Academy graduates like Martin Kelly, Stephen Darby and Nathan Eccleston have all impressed for the first-team recently. Does that give you hope that if you work hard enough you could one day make an impact for Rafael Benitez's side?
Yes, that's definitely the case. It encourages me because it shows they want to bring young players through. If you are good enough then you will get your chance. You just have to make sure you take it. I thought Kelly did really well at home to Lyon and it was good for Nathan (Eccleston) to get some minutes at Fulham and against Arsenal in the Carling Cup.
When it comes to home-grown talent, few have made the impact that Stevie G and Carra have. They both have close ties with the Academy, have they offered you any advice?
Yes, I trained with the first-team a week or so ago. It was really good. Carragher was encouraging us all and it gave us more confidence when we were running through some of the drills.
So Rafa's already had a chance to look at you then?
Yes, I've bumped into him quite a few times. He knows my face and I hope he sees a lot more of me in the future!
There are a lot of new members of staff in Kirkby now. What's it like seeing Kenny Dalglish on a daily basis?
Kenny is sound! He's a legend of the game and it can only be good for the club to have him back here.
Has he offered you any particular advice - from one striker to another?
He just told me I should go out and play my game. He told me to make sure I train hard and try to develop and learn as much as possible.
There seems to be a much closer bond between the Academy and Melwood now. Does it give the players a buzz to know John McMahon brings his reserves down to train here?
It's good to know he's close by keeping an eye on us. They are doing well this season too.
Rodolfo Borrell is our new under-18 coach this year. How are you finding his coaching methods?
 At first I struggled to understand exactly what he wanted from us. But now it is becoming clear just what he wants and he is getting his ideas across. He just wants the best for us and wants the team to do well. We are starting to click now, both on and off the pitch. The 3-0 win over Blackburn a few weeks back was a bit of a turning point for us and we are starting to teach him some good English phrases! He's even thrown a few words of Spanish our way too!
Why do you think it has been such an up and down start to the season in terms of results?
Well our team is very young. We have been learning a new system too. It was quite difficult to get to grips with at first but we have been practicing hard.
As part of the Academy programme you are also expected to continue some form of education. How important is that to you?
I'm currently doing a Sports B-Tech. It involves looking into the lifestyles of athletes and seeing how you can improve your fitness etc. It's also good for me as a player because I read about it and can then try it out myself.
Do you have a specific back-up plan if things don't work out in the world of football?
I'd get a job back in football (laughs). No, I'd just look to get a job to do with my qualifications.
When the fixtures come out at the start of the season what is the game you look for first?
To be honest, it's not about who I am playing against. I just want to do really well in every match that I play and try to do my best every second I am out on that pitch.
Who is your footballing hero?
Thierry Henry. He's different class. The only reason I'd tune into Match of the Day each week was to watch him.
Is there anything you've added to your game as a result of watching the former Gunner?
Well he's got great feet and knows where the goal is. I've just tried to pick up a few pointers from the things he does. It'd be great to be able to do just a small amount of what he has achieved.
And finally, where do you see yourself in 5 years' time?
I'd love to be one of the top strikers in the Barclays Premier League, playing for Liverpool and challenging for titles and Champions League honours.
Click here to read about a Scouser with a habit for doing the 'Alonso'>>
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