Rodgers beats title rivals City and Chelsea to net young Irish ace McAuley

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has introduced an Irish dimension to his vision for the club by personally involving himself in the successful pursuit of 14-year-old Dubliner Glen McAuley.

The talented St Joseph’s Boys striker was the subject of interest from all the leading English Premier League clubs, including Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United, but has now settled on Liverpool – in no small way thanks to the influence of Rodgers.

Such was the demand for the Clondalkin youngster that Alex Ferguson spoke to him directly in his office during one of his trials at United.

Not to be outdone, Ballymena native Rodgers made sure the Reds put their best foot forward by outlining their wish to sign him in face-to-face discussions with the player and his family.

It’s understood the Premier League title contenders have secured McAuley’s signature on a pre-contract, thereby removing any risk of being gazumped.

In accordance with Fifa rules regarding the transfer of minors, he won’t move to Liverpool on a full-time basis until his 16th birthday. McAuley has visited, and will continue to visit, the club’s Academy in Kirkby at regular intervals to maintain the same development programme undertaken by his peers signed from England and other countries.

The next fortnight is all about chasing the Holy Grail of the Premier League title for the Reds but Rodgers has been working behind the scenes in a bid to ensure long-term sustainability. As the 41-year-old cut his coaching teeth operating at Academy level for Reading and Chelsea, he appreciates the importance of recruiting and working with the best available young gems.

Despite not having a regular Irish presence in their first-team since Steve Staunton in the early ’90s, Liverpool have been extremely active in these parts over recent years.

Two current U19 internationals, Alex O’Hanlon and Dan Cleary, are part of the club’s youth ranks already while another, 15-year-old Conor Masterson, is due to join them on Merseyside next year.

Their latest capture first displayed his abilities while playing for Crumlin United, starring in their SFAI U12 national cup final victory over St Kevin’s Boys.

Last year, he and a number of his team-mates left Robbie Keane’s boyhood club, Crumlin, to join their former manager, John Bolger, at St Joseph’s Boys, who have produced the likes of Paul McShane and Andy Keogh.