Pongolle set for Birmingham start

With England star Owen joining fellow forward Milan Baros on the sidelines, Gerard Houllier has offered a strong hint that the exciting former Le Havre hitman will be given a prolonged taste of first-team action - starting with Sunday's visit of high-flying Birmingham City.

Houllier said: "Lack of fortune for some means fortune for others. I would prefer to have Michael and Milan Baros available. But the fact that they are both injured means someone else can blossom. Pongolle is quick, he gives us something extra and has good touch.

"He turns quickly and that is why defenders are very wary of him. I like the way he has overcome the physical side of the English game.

"He is still young and quicker than Michael Owen, even. In the first half their three defenders did not dare to go forward, he is learning fast even if he is too often offside for my taste."