Teenager Jack Hobbs is standing by for his Liverpool debut with the full backing of Anfield lynchpin Jamie Carragher. The 19 year-old, signed from Lincoln little more than a year ago, is expected to play in central defence at Reading tonight in the League Cup.

It is a case of "needs must" for Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez, with key defender Daniel Agger out injured. But Hobbs will likely be part of a Liverpool side full of youngsters and squad players for the third round tie.

Hobbs has been elevated to first-team squad training in the past week. And Carragher, who could well be asked to shepherd the Portsmouth-born youngster through the match, says of his possible partner: "Jack has done very well and we have been impressed with him in training. He came in from Lincoln and was a massive part of us winning the Youth Cup two years on the trot. Now he is captain of the reserves and he deserves his chance."

Benitez wants to utilise several fringe players at Reading, but will not want to weaken the side to the extent that he could gift the tie to the Berkshire club. It is also expected that Brazilian midfielder Lucas Leiva will figure in the tie, as well as winger Sebastian Leto.

The likes of Moroccan midfielder Nabil El Zhar, fit-again Fabio Aurelio and young defender Emiliano Insua could also be involved.

Benitez is also expected to include Yossi Benayoun, who missed Saturday's goalless draw with Birmingham because of the Jewish day of atonement. Peter Crouch and even Fernando Torres, both on the bench against Birmingham, could also play.

Benitez said: "For some of the players who are not playing too much in the Premier League or the Champions League, this will be an important competition for them. It is a trophy I would be happy to win, the first season I was here we got to the final. I would like to be in the final again. Some of the senior players will have to play against Reading, I will not change the whole team. It depends on who is available and what cover we have in certain positions.

"However, it seems unlikely that Steven Gerrard, Javier Mascherano or Dirk Kuyt will be in the squad, while Jermaine Pennant has a hamstring injury. But I would hope to give players who are not playing regularly in the Premier League the chance to play."

Reading boss Steve Coppell is likely to follow Benitez's lead and promised to make up to eight changes.

Striker Leroy Lita is set to start but Kalifa Cisse is likely to be on the bench at best because of a knee injury. Youngster James Henry is also in the squad but Ibrahima Sonko (knee) is not yet ready for a comeback.

Bobby Convey, Ulises de la Cruz, Scott Golbourne, Shane Long, Andre Bikey, Emerse Fae and goalkeeper Adam Federici are all in line to begin the game.