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.