OWEN MORE THAN SATISFIES HOULLIER

Gerard Houllier may have to accept that England's most-hyped striker is currently housed by Everton - but he is still more than satisfied with Liverpool's own Michael Owen.

The Reds boss has made it clear too that he expects no problems with Owen's contract talks.

While Everton and most of England are gushing in their praise for teenage Toffee Wayne Rooney, Houllier is just pleased he has Owen to send out against Blackburn at Ewood Park on Saturday.

The pair form England's new front line, and both have done their bit to send their country to within one point of the Euro 2004 finals over the past fortnight.

Houllier, meanwhile, admits Owen's new contract is looming on the agenda.

"In due time we will be discussing it. We know what he wants, and he is keen to stay here," said the Frenchman.

"We are very keen, of course, to keep him too. The one thing about Michael, though, is that he does not go out and say he wants to go elsewhere."

Owen - whose England haul stands at 24 goals in 53 games, equalling Geoff Hurst's tally - has struck good club form already this term.

After two goals in his last club game against Rooney's Everton, Houllier knows his key man is in the perfect form to confront Graeme Souness and Blackburn.

"I was pleased with Michael's performance at Goodison Park," said Houllier.

"I was pleased with how he played in the previous Liverpool games this season and I was pleased with his displays for England - as well as his international goal, which was very important."

Even so Houllier does have more than a sneaking admiration for young Rooney too.

"I have been impressed by what he has done since he started to play for England. He has everything it takes to become a top-class player," he said.

"When you are good enough you are old enough - never mind the age. But he has to keep his feet on the ground and keep working, because he does not know everything at the moment."