Liverpool's new U21 manager Michael Beale has spoken of his delight at being promoted to the post as he prepares to start fulfilling his new duties when the team kick off their season against Sunderland on Tuesday.

The former U16 coach was appointed to the position in conjunction with Alex Inglethorpe's changing role to Academy director, with a structural reshuffle taking place at the Kirkby complex.

"It's a really exciting club to be at right now, not just at first-team level but within the Academy as well," Beale told Liverpoolfc.com following the announcement on Wednesday.

"We've got a host of young players who are progressing nicely, and like all the staff I get a huge buzz driving in through the gates each morning.

"For the last 18 months I've worked closely with Alex, who has done an amazing job, and in fact my first group at Liverpool featured a lot of the players in the current U21 squad, so it's nice to be working with them again.

"I've got a good understanding of what these players need before they take the next step towards the first team."

LFCTV GO subscribers can watch the full interview with Beale by clicking play on the video below, while his first match at the helm will be live on LFCTV and online next Tuesday from 6.30pm.

Watch the video here »