Rochdale startlet given trial

Liverpool have offered Rochdale starlet Matt Hughes a trial ahead of a potentially permanent transfer.

The 15-year-old defender has been pushed through Rochdale’s Centre of Excellence after impressing at youth team level and he will now be offered the chance to impress Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez.

And Rochdale assistant boss Dave Flitcroft has admitted his delight at seeing Hughes have the opportunity to display his ability with Liverpool.

“Everyone at the club knows the importance of youth development,” Flitcroft told Rochdale’s official website. “And we are constantly striving for improvement.

“As for Matty himself, I could not be more pleased. Out of adversity in a reserve match when he came on from the bench we have seen him grow.

“The big thing was the way that the other players really took to him and embraced him.

“He has great leadership qualities and a fantastic attitude and I can honestly say that I have never seen a young player so focused.

“To see a story like this unfold in front of your eyes is fantastic. I feel sure Matty is going to be a real player who goes on to play at a very high level.”