BARRY Bannan and Fabian Delph have received positive pep talks from Gerard Houllier, who insists the midfielders are very much a part of his plans.

Bannan and Delph, both aged 21, are set to be in Villa’s squad for today’s FA Cup fourth-round tie against Blackburn at Villa Park.

Despite travelling to Wigan, Bannan did not make the team for Tuesday’s win with Houllier preferring veteran Robert Pires, who was an unused substitute.

Delph, meanwhile, has been out of action since suffering a knee injury at Manchester City in late December after returning following cruciate ligament surgery.

But Houllier insists both youngsters still have a major part to play at Villa despite the signing of midfield enforcer Jean Makoun and the comebacks of Stiliyan Petrov and Nigel Reo-Coker.

Asked if Bannan is likely to be in the squad to face Rovers, Houllier said: “Yes.”

Prompted on why he was left out in favour of Pires, the boss continued: “You have to make choices.”

Houllier has advised Bannan to add composure to his natural enthusiasm instead of trying to play at full throttle throughout games.