Owen on crest of a wave

GERARD HOULLIER believes Michael Owen can end the most exciting week of his life by sending Liverpool closer to the Champions League.

It has been quite an amazing few days for the 23-year-old England striker. He has topped 100 Premiership goals, equalled his best season goals tally of 28 and witnessed the birth of daughter Gemma Rose to girlfriend Louise on Thursday. Last weekend, Owen dedicated his four goals against West Brom to his then unborn first child. Now you can be sure he will want to wet the baby’s head with more goals at home to Manchester City, a club he just loves to score against.

Liverpool boss Houllier said: “It’s been a great week for Michael, now it can surely only get better.”