Houllier said: "John has been training with us this year. He didn't come with us on the training camp at the start of the year because he was away on international duty. He has made some progress and I think you will see him gradually appearing in the first team.
"That goes for Neil Mellor as well. Nobody expected him to be in the first team plans but he is. He was injured at the end of last season which is why he wasn't involved.
"Both players will get more chances provided they look after themselves and provided they keep the same focus. I wouldn't be surprised if next season they play between 10 and 15 games."
