Hyypia backs Owen to end drought

Last updated : 23 September 2002 By Ken Gaunt, PA Sport


England striker Michael Owen goes into the Champions League match against Basle on Wednesday knowing he has the overwhelming support of the dressing room.

Owen has not scored in open play since the final day of last season against Ipswich and missed a penalty on Saturday in the 2-0 defeat of West Brom.

But Liverpool captain Sami Hyypia believes it is just a matter of time before his team-mate starts scoring again.

"Michael was very unlucky on Saturday. He missed the penalty and a couple of other chances and I really felt sorry for him, " Hyypia told the club's website, www.liverpoolfc.tv.

"He's going through a period where the goals aren't going in at the moment, but he'll soon turn things around.

"Everyone in the squad will help him get through this spell."

Liverpool's victory over West Brom came on the back of a Champions League defeat in Valencia.

Hyypia added: "It was good to get back to winning ways and to keep a clean sheet.

"We've had a few disappointments of late but hopefully we can get a few wins under our belts now, starting in Europe on Wednesday."