England coach hails Owen

Last updated : 03 March 2003 By Chris Maxwell
Owen's coolly taken strike against Manchester United, his third goal in as many games, confirmed that the 23-year-old is back to his very best. For Grip, though, such form is not a surprise with a player of the quality of Owen.

Grip, speaking to TheFA.com, said: "Michael is a strong boy, he is mentally very strong. He is quick on his feet and in his mind too. He takes a decision very quickly. That's how he scores because he is quicker in his head than the others.

"It goes in phases with goalscorers. I think confidence is very important these days with strikers because the chances do not come along so often, so you must take them when they do. That is what he did yesterday."