This January saw a few ins and outs at Anfield. Among others, Rhian Brewster left on loan whilst Takumi Minamino and Joe Hardy were brought in. Tonight’s FA Cup replay against Shrewsbury Town could shine a light on the role Joe Hardy will play at Liverpool.
It was the first week of January when The Reds signed Wirral born Joe Hardy from Brentford B.
The 21-year-old forward was a puzzling arrival for many Kopites.
Given his age many were wondering why the club had brought in a striker that hadn’t managed to breakthrough at Brentford, however, in Michael Edwards we trust.
People have been questioning whether he was brought in to cover Rhian Brewster or whether he was brought in with a view to progressing into the first team.
The new signing has been performing well for the U23 side so far.
Hardy netted a brace against Southampton and scored in a key Premier League International Cup game against Wolves.
Now the 21-year-old is set for his first team debut as Liverpool take on Shrewsbury Town in the FA Cup.
With the senior squad recused due to the Premier League winter break, Neil Critchley’s precocious U23 side will take part in the fixture.
If Joe Hardy starts the game and performs well, it could be an indication as to his future role.
With the game set to be played under the Anfield lights, the tie is a great opportunity for development for the youngsters – if Hardy doesn’t start it could be a hint that he isn’t in the club’s long term plans and the staff would rather afford another youth player the occasion.
Fingers crossed the recruitment team spotted something in Joe Hardy that others missed and he will kick on into the first team in the next few seasons.
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