PHIL Howard enhanced his growing reputation with a stunning strike for Rovers' Under 17s on Saturday -- but it still wasn't enough to see off 10-man Liverpool in a top-of-the-table clash at Brockhall.

In a keenly-fought contest, the Reds were reduced to 10-men midway through the half when they had a player dismissed for a second bookable offence.

Young Scot Ian Black then saw his penalty saved before Liverpool regrouped and struck back with a sucker punch of their own before half-time.

But Howard hauled Rob Kelly's young guns back level with a sublime finish after great work from Jerome Watt just after the break.

And, though Rovers created a couple of late chances, the Merseysiders hung on to stay top of group C, just ahead of Kelly's men in second.

"We were disappointed we didn't beat them, especially after they went down to 10 men, but they were a very good side, probably one of the best we've come up against at Under 17 level," said Kelly.

"The fact we beat them in the FA Youth Cup last season gave it an edge so it was a very competitive game because they came to try and redress the balance."

Ian Miller's Under 19s lost 1-0 in an equally competitive affair after a rare mistake by keeper Ryan Robinson cost Rovers the points.

"Ian said their game was similar to ours but Ryan misjudged the flight of a ball and it flew in into the corner," added Kelly.

Meanwhile, Academy youngsters Ian Black and Ross McKay are training with Scotland this week after making an impressive start to the season with Rovers.

Young keeper Steve Drench was also in the England Under 17s squad for their game against Spain at Ashton Gate last week.