Along with fellow young hopefuls Neil Mellor and Jot Otsemobor, Welsh faces a make-or-break period next season in which it will become clear whether Gerard Houllier views him as an integral part of his future plans.
After another impressive season marshalling the second-string side, McAuley firmly believes that his prized pupil is more thsan ready to graduate to the Liverpool senior team.
McAuley said: "John Welsh has made further progress this season and is the reserve captain. He works very hard, is a competitor and someone you want in your team all of the time.
"He imposes himself more on a game and I hope he can get an opportunity next season. He certainly wouldn't let anybody down."