'They will be ready next season' - Liverpool duo coming to end of nightmare

Liverpool youngsters Paul Glatzel and Abdi Sharif have been backed to overcome their injury nightmares and continue their progress next season.

The duo, who helped the Reds win the FA Youth Cup last year, were ruled out of the entire campaign when suffering cruciate ligament damage during the summer.

Glatzel picked up his injury shortly after coming on during the pre-season opener at Tranmere Rovers in July, while Sharif sustained his problem in the U23s friendly against Coventry City less than a month after penning his first professional contract at the club.

Both have continued their rehabilitation throughout the season, and Academy coach Barry Lewtas is convinced they will be ready to hit the ground running in the next campaign with the under-23s.

"To see two of the lads, who have worked ever so hard, pick up injuries in pre-season and have basically the season written off was really tough," said Lewtas.

"It was real tough start to the season for them and the staff because of how much care we have for the boys.

"That was sad but they've worked ever so hard and the physical staff have really pushed them on and I'm sure they will be back ready to go next season."

Speaking to liverpoolfc.com, Lewtas added: "They will be itching to get back playing, Paul will be itching to score goals and Abdi getting up and down the pitch and weighing in with a few goals himself.

"He finished that U18 year extremely strong, so it just kind of shows that you can have real highs and be in a really good place.

"The injury setbacks are part of the game but credit to them, they've shown a real maturity around their rehabilitation and I've got every confidence that they will both come back even stronger next season. Fingers crossed."