The young Liverpool defender set to get his chance in the Europa League against Anzhi

Brendan Rodgers is set to stick to his guns by giving youth a chance in the Europa League clash against Anzhi and one Liverpool kid desperate for an opportunity to shine is versatile defensive midfielder Conor Coady. With a win likely to clinch a place in the last 32 for the Reds, and Samuel Eto'o determined to make sure that doesn't happen, Coady will need to produce a special display should he make his competitive Liverpool debut. talkSPORT's Talent Spotter has more...

Name: Conor Coady
Date of birth: 25/02/93
Birthplace: Liverpool
Position: Defensive midfielder/central defender
Club: Liverpool
International: England U19 caps

What's the latest?
Coady looks set to finally make his competitive Liverpool debut for the senior side having previously been an unused sub on three separate occasions and it isn't a moment too soon for the 19-year-old, who is understood to be itching to make the step up from the Reds academy. Coady could be used as a defensive midfielder or central defender against Anzhi, and it's thought that he'll be asked to drop deep and help out as an auxiliary centre-back when Liverpool's full-backs push forward in their now customary manner.

Did you know?

1) A product of the Liverpool academy, Coady has a big reputation at his club after some tremendous international exploits. The youngster captained England's U17s to a European Championship win in 2010, defeating favourites Spain in the final. As a result, the Englishman received a nomination for the Young Sports Personality of the Year award that year.

2) Coady's success with England ensured he moved from captaining Liverpool's U18 side to the reserves in 2010. He then went on to win a cup double that season with the second string Reds side.

3) Coady's ability to adapt to both defensive midfield and central defensive positions have led to comparisons with one of his idols, Jamie Carragher.

4) Tonight's tie won't be Coady's first taste of European football as the youngster played every game for Liverpool in their 2010/11 NextGen Series campaign. The competition served as a useful learning experience for Raheem Sterling in particular, who played in the same team as Coady, so Brendan Rodgers will hope that the debutant can make a similar impression as the winger.

5) Physically imposing and strong in the air, Coady is a threat from set-pieces and is great at defending against them, too. He also possesses a strong shot and has already scored a goal for the Liverpool senior side in a non-competitive match against Guangdong Sunray Cave during the 2011/12 pre-season.

What is being said?
He says
“I know Jamie Carragher did a similar thing [to me] by playing in midfield for the U18s and then moving into defence – if I can do half as well as he has done I'll be delighted.”

Video evidence

Does Conor Coady have the quality to make the step up to senior level for Liverpool? Leave a comment below and let us know...