Houllier hails Owen form

The 24-year-old forward has struck six times in his last eight club appearances to take his total to a healthy 17 in a season interrupted by injury and loss of form.

While many were quick to criticise the Anfield marksman during a turbulent yrar both and off the pitch, Gerard Houllier feels that Owen is now ready to prove his mercurial talent as Liverpool bid to claim a Champions League spot.

Houllier said: "Michael scored a good goal against Arsenal and had another couple of chances. He's coming along fine and that's good news for England as well as Liverpool."