Liverpool starlet Lauri Dalla Valle built on his growing reputation with a goal for the reserves on his first appearance at that level this season.
The Finnish forward moved to Merseyside in 2008, and scored 20 goals in just 28 appearances for the Liverpool U18 side in his first season at Melwood.
Now fighting for a regular place in John McMahon's reserve side, Dalla Valle did no harm in his bid to secure a regular starting spot for the second string with a predatory opening goal in the 3-0 victory over Tranmere.
The Liverpool Senior Cup semi-final win was watched by Anfield legends Kenny Dalglish and Phil Thompson, and the striker who has previously been compared to Kop idol Fernando Torres must have impressed the former stars.
At just 18-years-old, Dalla Valle is already being tipped for greatness on Merseyside. A Finnish U16, U17 and U19 international, there are already whispers that Italy will make enquiries about the striker switching allegancies to the Azzurri because of his father.
David Amoo, another highly-rated Liverpool youngster, was on the scoresheet as well and an own goal completed the comfortable victory at the Kirkby Academy. A further point of encouragement came in the shape of Francisco Duran, who returned to action for the first time since November 2008 thanks to a late cameo appearance.
The young Spaniard was the cream of the Anfield crop before his injury two years ago, but the former Malaga player has time on his side and the potential to become another graduate to the first team.
With the senior side struggling for results on the pitch, emphasised by the Europa League defeat against Lille last night (Thursday), many fans are wondering if this glittering pool of youth talent will get a chance this season.
Daniel Pacheco and Damien Plessis are two other names that would appear to be knocking on the door for places, and Rafa Benitez has to be close to considering a gamble on some of the Academy and Reserve stars at Anfield.
