Gerrard: Supporters will want young players to step up

Steven Gerrard believes Liverpool supporters will be expecting the club’s young players to up their game in the 2013-14 season.

Manager Brendan Rogers gifted opportunities to seven academy graduates last season, including highly-rated players such as Raheem Sterling and Jordon Ibe.

However, 33-year-old captain Gerrard has insisted they now need to adopt the responsibility that comes with being a full-time first-team squad member.

“You only get described as a young lad for a certain amount of time and then it’s time to become a man and perform on a consistent basis,” he told LFC TV.

“There is great talent at the club at a young age; the manager has been trying to get a young group of players together that can perform well for him.

“Of course it’s a big season for every player we’ve got, but I think the supporters will be looking for the young lads to step up now, try to push people out of the way and become regulars in the team. I’m certainly looking forward to seeing what happens with those young players.”

After ending last season in seventh, Liverpool will kick off the new Premier League campaign at home against Stoke City on August 17.