Barratt staying at Anfield (From Warrington Guardian)

Barratt staying at Anfield

FA Youth Cup medal winner Paul Barratt is staying at Liverpool Football Club.

The 18-year-old midfielder or left winger from Grappenhall is delighted to have signed a one-year extension to his scholarship contract after helping Steve Heighway's Reds to win the FA Youth Cup for the first time in 10 years.

Barratt's aim is to play for Liverpool's first team and he said: "The next six months are going to be the most important of my career.

"I'm going to be based at the Academy training ground for another six months but the aim is to move up to the first first-team training ground at Melwood after that.

"I will still be eligible to play in the youth team next season when I'm not playing for the reserves, but at this stage of my career I need to be playing in the reserves regularly and playing well so that I can take the next step."

The former Beechfield junior added: "I was really pleased to receive the extension to my contract.

"They've been really happy with my development over the two years. They felt I was a good influence on the players at the Academy and I feel proud that I am wanted again by a big club like Liverpool."

Barratt's season ended with a 10-day tour of the United States and then a week's training at Melwood alongside some of the club's big-name stars.

He helped Liverpool win 3-0 and 5-0 against regional sides in Memphis and Atlanta and on his return he was one of three players from the Youth Cup winning side who was asked to train on at Melwood.

Barratt said: "Liverpool's World Cup players weren't involved but it was a great experience to train alongside the likes of Robbie Fowler, Boudewijn Zenden and Sami Hyypia.

"The highlight of my week was playing in a mini 11-a-side match and putting in a cross from which Robbie Fowler managed to finish off. That felt great!"

Barratt is currently enjoying a break and will return to training later this month.