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Rafa Benitez today predicted a bright future for Liverpool Football Club and admitted he is encouraged by the positive impact already made by changes implemented to the youth setup at Anfield. The Reds boss helped instigate a reshuffle of the club's Reserve and Academy structures over the summer, with several new staff drafted in to bolster the production line of young talent. Benitez believes early signs are positive and is certain Liverpool's future is in safe hands. He told Liverpoolfc.tv: "It is much better now. The players can see the difference and I am sure it will be easier for them to progress. "It is always important to develop your own players. Local players have passion and desire and I think that is the key if you want to be consistent and stay at the top of the table - you have to produce your own players. "When you make changes it can take time, but we all have the same plan, everybody is following it and we try to do the same things here at Melwood and at the Academy." Asked if he felt the future was a positive one for Liverpool, Benitez replied: "Yes, I think so. I am sure." With the Reds senior squad suffering a spate of injuries in recent weeks, Benitez has been forced to call upon the services of several youngsters from John McMahon's table-topping reserve side. The likes of Nathan Eccleston, Daniel Ayala, Martin Kelly and Jay Spearing have all turned out for the first-team this season - and the gaffer admits he'd have no qualms about dipping into the second string pool again in future. "The Reserves are a very good team," he said. "We changed the staff and some players and we knew the first year could be difficult, but they are doing very well. "They are playing well, are well organised and know what they are doing. "It means we can bring in some players and you have seen they can perform. The likes of Eccleston, Darby, Ayala and Pacheco - we know we can use these players and they will know what to do." While McMahon's men hold a three point lead at the top of the Barclays Premier Reserve League North, having lost just once so far this term, the form of the under-18s has fluctuated. However, Benitez insists the most critical aspect of Academy level football is the development and growth of young prospects - rather than results. The Spaniard said: "The most important thing at that level is to produce players. When you change things, you can't expect to be winning from the first day. "But at least you can see the players have a plan, and it is the same for everyone at the club. "The connection with Melwood is good and the players know if they have to do something, it is because the senior players are doing the same." Benitez's fellow countrymen Rodolfo Borrell and Pep Segura were just two of several new arrivals at the club's youth complex in pre-season - and the manager feels the changes are helping drive the Academy forward in the right direction. "They are doing well, but we didn't bring in just these two coaches," he continued. "We brought in more people and changed staff, so to name all of them would be difficult, but I am really pleased because they are doing a very good job. "When you talk with agents, or people who are involved with coaching or watching the Academy, everyone says it has changed a lot. "So I am pleased because it is the first year in charge, and you can see some changes. "We can improve by winning more games and then things will always be easier and more positive, but the direction is right. "Both Rodolfo and Pepe, and the rest of the staff are doing a very good job." RAFA: REDS' FUTURE IN GOOD HANDS At the very least he knows he has to develop some of his own younger stars in order to evolve Liverpool.