Owen in form of his
life, says Houllier
Darren Bentley
Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier believes Michael Owen is displaying the form of his life at Anfield.
England striker Owen has struck a 34 goals in his last 44 league games to give the Reds hope that their long wait for a first premier league title may soon be over.
Frenchman Houllier puts the scintillating run down to an improvement in the diminutive striker's overall physique.
"Michael is showing championship form at the moment," Houllier told reporters on Friday. "I have been really impressed by his physical input in games and the way he seems to cover the ground, read the game and work for his team mates at times they need him.
"He has very much improved physically and seems to have become a better player all around, with, of course, that natural ability to score goals."
Owen, who was rested for the midweek league cup victory over Southampton, will return to the starting line-up for the crucial double-header of Saturday's league game at Middlesbrough, followed by next Tuesday's Champions League qualifying decider in Basel.
However, England U-21 goalkeeper Chris Kirkland will resume his role as understudy to Polish number one Jerzy Dudek, despite an impressive display in a rare start against Southampton.
Houllier is adamant Kirkland, 21, will have to bide his time before taking the goalkeeper's gloves off Dudek on a regular basis.
"There is a stance I firmly believe in, where you need to have a first choice keeper because it doesn't add extra pressure onto their game," Houllier said. "If you want to win things you have to have the quality and the understudy - particularly in that position.
"Chris would disagree with that, but he still has a lot to do to improve his goalkeeping.
"He knew the score when he came here and if he is too unhappy he will come and tell me.
"But he has not because he knows he still has another two or three years to grow up.
"I have had along chat with Chris and told him to keep doing his best because his time will come.
"I know some goalkeepers that move from one club to another and burn themselves out.
"They were on the verge of getting into the first team and now they are substitutes elsewhere.
"I have told Chris he has to be patient, work hard and develop because we know he has the potential - now it's a matter of time."
