Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish believes midfielder Jay Spearing can provide inspiration for the next generation of Anfield stars.
Having spent almost a decade at the club's academy, the Wirral-born player made his senior debut in the Champions League against PSV Eindhoven in December 2008 but had to wait until October the following year for his first Premier League start - and then went out on loan to Leicester for the final three months of the season.
This campaign, however, he has more than doubled his tally of appearances to 33 - playing 17 times and proving an able deputy for injured captain Steven Gerrard in central midfield over the last few weeks.
And Dalglish said Spearing's new deal justified his patience - and talent.
"Different people have different ideals and make judgement calls at different times - maybe we're just fortunate that we have been patient," said the Scot, who felt the midfielder probably took some inspiration from Bootle-born Jamie Carragher, who is set to make his 666th appearance against Fulham on Monday.
"Jay has earned the games he is getting and the way he has played in those games has been fantastic because he and Lucas have done tremendously well in the centre of midfield.
"If anybody wants to look at Jay as a local boy made good, then he is a good example to follow.
"Jay's probably looked at Carra and thought the same thing, and Steven (Gerrard) will also come into the equation.
"Local players are important but their ability is more important. The people I have mentioned there qualify on both counts."
Dalglish admitted there was a chance Spearing could have left the club before now in pursuit of regular first-team football.
But he insisted had he done that it would have been because the player wanted to and not because he was not good enough to succeed at Anfield.
"A belief in their own ability helps them (younger players) as well," added the Reds boss.
"If they're good enough, they'll get a chance. Obviously the wee man has proved he is good enough.
"I don't know what obstacles they've put in their mind to do anything moving forward, but the only criteria here is ability. Nothing else."
