It might be 'sexy to look in Spain', but Brendan Rodgers tells Liverpool scouts to focus on Merseyside

Rodgers points to homegrown talents Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher and Michael Owen as proof the best players may be on Liverpool's doorstep

Brendan Rodgers (GETTY IMAGES)

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has urged Liverpool's talent scouts to make the most of emerging talent on the Anfield club's doorstep.

Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher, Robbie Fowler and Michael Owen are just some of the players who came through Liverpool's academy system and went on to represent Liverpool and England in distinguished careers.

However there has been a dearth of local players breaking into the side in recent years - a situation Rodgers is eager to remedy.

"My big thing is getting young players in here from the local area," said the Liverpool manager.

"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.

"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."

Rodgers has shown his faith in youth since arriving last summer, propelling Jamaican born Raheem Sterling into the first team.

Now it's time for a youngster from Liverpool - and perhaps the best prospect is left-footed striker Adam Morgan. The 18-year-old made three appearances for Liverpool in the Europa League earlier this term and is currently out on loan at Rotherham.