Benitez has challenged the club’s youngsters to show him during pre-season they are ready for a first-team call.

Bouzanis is preparing to represent Greece in the European Under 19 Championships, having failed to make Graham Arnold's Olyroo Olympic squad.

Once his international commitments are over, Bouzanis will return to Anfield and find a manager determined to give youth its chance.

Benitez will use the full contingent of his playing staff during pre-season with matches in Switzerland, Spain, Norway and the UK.

Benitez told Liverpool's official webite: “Clearly some of the young players will be involved in some of our games during pre-season and this is an opportunity for them to show what they can do, although some of them are so good they will play some games with their national teams.

“But we have a lot of confidence in them so if they can be with the first-team players and work with the coaching staff I am sure it will be good for them.

“It is important that they develop their experience at this stage of their careers and afterwards we will see, but it is clear that they have a chance.”