It's Mellor Time

Mellor has an enviable strike rate at reserve level and now he finally has the chance to prove he can score at a higher level. Mellor is likely to start alongside El Hadji Diouf as both aim to prove their worth to manager Gerard Houllier.

Gerard Houllier believes that this is chance that Mellor thoroughly deserves: "It's a good chance for Neil. He has been progressing very well and deserves the opportunity,"

Fellow reserve team starlets John Ostemobor - who played in the last round against Southampton - and the highly regarded John Welsh have also been named in the squad.