DANNY Livesey is only 19 but he is old enough to know his place.

He knew, for instance, that however well he played in the FA Cup at Tranmere, he would have to step aside as Simon Charlton and Bruno N'Gotty returned to face Manchester United in the Premiership.

Nevertheless, the Salford-born defender still believes his experience should act as a spur to every youngster at the Reebok academy who aspires to rubbing shoulders with the likes of Youri Djorkaeff, Jay-Jay Okocha and Ivan Campo.

"It shows that, even though the club is bringing in top players at first team level, there's always room for the academy," he said. "If you are doing well, you'll get in. It gives you something to aim for -- especially in the cup games."

Livesey, who was one of six members of the cup squad who were either current members or graduates of the academy, was only 17 when he made his Wanderers' debut against Liverpool in the Premiership early last season and is one of a handful of promising young players tipped to follow Kevin Nolan and Nicky Hunt in making the successful transition to the senior ranks.

A 12-match loan spell at Notts County earlier this season proved invaluable, whetting his appetite for first team football as well as giving him invaluable experience as he looks to build his career at the Reebok.

Patience is the watchword, though.

"I felt more comfortable going into the game on Saturday because of having had the games at Notts County," he said.

"I was learning with every game and I wasn't as nervous as I might have been."

Livesey was happy with his performance at Prenton Park -- "I thought I did okay first half then quietened down in the second" -- but, for all his enthusiasm, he accepts he must bide his time.

"The first team is doing well so I just have to be patient," he acknowledged. "It might not come this year but next year, hopefully, I can keep my face in there and, when the chance comes, I can take it.

"It's understandable that the manager will stick with his senior players. We want to stay in the Premiership and can't take chances with kids coming in. Even if they did well, one mistake can cost you three points.

"You just have to understand that you must wait your turn and, when it comes, make the most of it."