Owen won't let me down

The 23-year-old has scored the winning goal in two Cardiff matches - both goals against Arsenal in the 2001 FA Cup and the second goal in the Reds 2-1 victory over Manchester United in the Charity Shield of the same year. Houllier expects that the Englamd forward will make his presence felt yet again this Sunday.

Houllier said: "Michael will be up for this game - he has never disappointed me in finals. I know also that the older he gets the better, he gets.

"He's only 23 and already a great finisher - but look at Alan Shearer and the way he's playing now at his age.

"He has got better, he's more mature and composed, but Michael is already a tremendous finisher, that's all I can say about him.

"He creates so many of his chances himself. He's such a fabulous player. He's already a big-game player, we know that from past performances, and he won't let me down in Cardiff."