Rodgers urges home grown recruitment

By ESPN staff

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has urged his club's scouts to search for talent in their own backyard, insisting recruiting players from other European leagues isn't always the best option.

PA PhotosRodgers believes the success of local players Gerrard and Carragher prove home grown is best

Despite international players forming a majority of Liverpool's current first team squad, the Reds' two most experienced players, Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher were both born on Merseyside.
The recruitment of England international Daniel Sturridge signalled Rodgers' intention to utilise home grown talent and the Liverpool boss claims history speaks for itself.
"My big thing is getting young players in here from the local area," Rodgers said. "Boys from Liverpool. If you look at the history here: the Carragher, the Gerrard, the McManaman, the Fowler, the Owen.
"And you name me the best two players in England in the last six or seven years? Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney, and they are Scousers. One is from that part of the city and the other from that part. So you are not telling me there are not top young talents in Liverpool.
Liverpool's Spanish contingent grew under former boss Rafa Benitez, but Rodgers claims he prefers substance over the style that some club's search for in the transfer window.
"It is sexy to look in Spain, and I am one who loves working with European players. I love working with the talents, and 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 hot bed 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."