Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher believes it is becoming increasingly rare for players to follow the path he did and graduate from the club's academy to the first team.
The Bootle-born centre-back, 32 later this month, made his 600th appearance for the club just over a fortnight ago.
He began as an apprentice at Anfield, signing a professional contract in 1996, before progressing through the ranks.
This season has seen the likes of defenders Stephen Darby, 21, and Martin Kelly, 19, handed their full first team debuts having both come through the academy.
However, Carragher thinks the career path followed by himself and captain Steven Gerrard is becoming more and more unlikely.
"I think it's more difficult to come through the ranks now than when I was a youngster," the Liverpool vice-captain told the Liverpool Daily Post.
"There are a lot more foreign players at the club, and now with the level the team is at, basically if they want to come through then they have to be ready to play Champions League football.
"That shows how difficult it is."
Liverpool are believed to be nearing a deal to sign Atletico Madrid midfielder Maxi Rodriguez.
However, that may depend on manager Rafael Benitez being able to move on forward Andriy Voronin, who has attracted interest from clubs in Russia, and defender Andrea Dossena, who could move back to Italy with Napoli.
He began as an apprentice at Anfield, signing a professional contract in 1996, before progressing through the ranks.
This season has seen the likes of defenders Stephen Darby, 21, and Martin Kelly, 19, handed their full first team debuts having both come through the academy.
However, Carragher thinks the career path followed by himself and captain Steven Gerrard is becoming more and more unlikely.
"I think it's more difficult to come through the ranks now than when I was a youngster," the Liverpool vice-captain told the Liverpool Daily Post.
"There are a lot more foreign players at the club, and now with the level the team is at, basically if they want to come through then they have to be ready to play Champions League football.
"That shows how difficult it is."
Liverpool are believed to be nearing a deal to sign Atletico Madrid midfielder Maxi Rodriguez.
However, that may depend on manager Rafael Benitez being able to move on forward Andriy Voronin, who has attracted interest from clubs in Russia, and defender Andrea Dossena, who could move back to Italy with Napoli.
Copyright (c) Press Association
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