Finding yourself short of money during the transfer season - yes even 40 million can disappear quickly sometimes - can be a real downer, especially when you have the hopes of millions of Anfield hopefuls pinned onto your shoulders; those hoping that the Premiership drought will finally end.

This is when the adage of self sufficiency really comes to the fore, and that is exactly what Rafa Benitez has in mind for the future.

Speaking ahead of the FA Youth Cup final, between Liverpool and Manchester United, he stressed upon the need to hand those promising young players a chance; on the need to have a good youth system instead of just spending big.

"I have known senior squads at Madrid with 40 players, and of that maybe 14 were from the academy. That is success that is what means an academy is successful,” said Benitez.

"But one each year would be fine. Maybe one Jamie Carragher each year, maybe one Steven Gerrard. It could take five years, but you have a diamond to work with.

"You can then do something if you have the talent, you can see it grow.

"But if I could find one Carra every year, and then you will see in five years maybe five Carras. Think of the money you would save with a team of Carraghers."

Rafa admitted, however, that it would be tough initially for the youngsters to break into the first team squads of the clubs.

"It is normal at top clubs for it to be more difficult for youngsters to get through because of the players that are bought for the senior squad," said Benitez.

"It was the same when I was at Real Madrid, it is the same with the big clubs in England."

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