It's that time of the year for young footballers trying to make a name for themselves across Europe. Quiet chats are had in offices and all manner of unavoidable clichés are resorted to to try and ensure that talented young footballers don't lose hope. Youth contracts come to an end and there's no professional offer forthcoming, it's the unfortunate reality for a significant number of young Premier League hopefuls.
One such player who has to deal with that disappointment this week is 20 year old Dubliner Daniel Cleary who has taken to social media to confirm that his time at Liverpool has come to an end.
Cleary was very close to making his first team bow for Liverpool in the Europa League earlier this year and Brendan Rodgers stated in no uncertain terms that he would have had no trouble entrusting him in central defence after he was named on the bench for the Europa League clash against Bordeaux in September.
Daniel is a very good player, he is going to have a very good career in the game. He is very committed. I have seen developments in my time, as a young player, I've seen him improve.
There was the possibility that Jurgen Klopp may have turned to Cleary in January but Steven Caulker was brought in to cover a hole in central defence and the Irishman's path to the first team once again appeared to be blocked. As Cleary said however, it's time to move on and here's hoping he can get back to club football as soon as possible.
With Cleary leaving Anfield it now leaves defenders Conor Masterson and Corey Whelan, goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher and attackers Alex O'Hanlon and Glen McAuley as Liverpool's Irish contingent coming through the ranks.
Get involved in our #Euro2016 facebook group for useful tips, and a shitload of flags https://t.co/PJWL2cJF8k pic.twitter.com/ZSpZB8RLBg
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) May 6, 2016
