Neil Critchley has explained why Curtis Jones was given the U23s captain's armband for the first time for the Premier League 2 game away at Chelsea.
The 18-year-old penned a new long-term deal with the club earlier this month and was given the responsibility of leading the young Reds out at Stamford Bridge last Monday.
The U23s endured a frustrating night on the field as they lost 3-0 to a Chelsea side containing the likes of international stars Antonio Rudiger and Michy Batshuayi.
But Critchley is sure Jones will benefit from the experience.