Knight: Benitez's idea is an insult

From the The Argus, first published Thursday 22nd Mar 2007.

Albion chairman has branded a proposal from Rafael Benitez that Liverpool's reserves should be allowed to play in the Football League as an insult.

Benitez believes his fringe players at Anfield are paying the price for an ineffective reserve league and would benefit from competitive action in the Football League, an idea first suggested by Chelsea chief Jose Mourinho.

Reserve teams play in lower leagues throughout continental Europe but Knight is vehemently opposed to it catching on in England.

"Rafa is insulting the history and the stature of the Football League," he said.

"It's up to the Premier League clubs and the Academy bosses to sort out a reserve league which is competitive.

The current Academy system is very haphazard.

"I've got great admiration for Rafa but this idea just shows the increasing gulf between the top clubs and the lower division clubs like mine, who have been around for 106 years and shouldn't have to be insulted like this.

"Besides, we've been to Anfield and beaten the Liverpool first team on a number of occasions over the last 20 years, so why the hell should we be insulted by having to play their reserves?""

Meanwhile, Albion defender Joe O'Cearuill faces an anxious wait to find out whether he has done enough to retain a first team place.

The on-loan Arsenal teenager is hoping to stay in the side against Huddersfield at Withdean on Saturday.

O'Cearuill returned to the starting line-up for last Saturday's 1-1 home draw against Scunthorpe.

The Republic of Ireland under-21 international filled in at right-back and Adam El-Abd switched to left-back in the absence of Kerry Mayo with back trouble.

Boss Dean Wilkins said: "He did all right. I just spoke to him about instances when the ball goes dead and his mind seems to switch off.

"It could have been a problem to us late in the game, especially when you are playing against front players as lively as Scunthorpe's. But he is a young man keen to learn from it."

Mayo has to resume training by today to be considered for Huddersfield's visit.

Would you like to see Liverpool Reserves playing Albion in a league match? Leave your comments below.

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