Houllier seeks ‘unbreakable’ Owen record

GERARD HOULLIER has challenged Michael Owen to set a scoring record in Europe for Liverpool that will be ‘unbreakable’.

The Liverpool manager has responded to Owen's 21st European goal for the club breaking Ian Rush's record of 20 by wanting more from the England striker.

Owen hauled Liverpool back into their UEFA Cup first round tie against Olimpija Ljubljana with a headed equaliser to put the Anfield side in the driving seat for the return leg on October 15.

Houllier said: "Michael broke the record and I am sure that thought was somewhere in his head.

"I was pleased and proud for him and his family.

"He is only 23 and I want him to set a record that will be unbreakable for those who will follow."

Manchester United central defender West Brown is on course to return to the squad by the new year.

Brown is back running having been sidelined since the final day of last season when he injured his cruciate knee ligament against Everton.

Meanwhile, midfielder Paul Scholes could return on Wednesday against Stuttgart in the Champions League.

Scholes has returned to training after taking a break because of a hernia problem.

BARCELONA midfielder Gerard was dropped from the starting line-up for his team's UEFA Cup tie against Slovakia's Puchov on Wednesday for using a mobile in the dressing room.

"What happened was a shame, because he was going to play," said Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard. "I had to drop him because of what happened just a few minutes before the game was due to get underway.

"The use of mobiles in the changing room is prohibited. He broke the rules and I can't stand for that.

"I know that he feels bad about it, but this is a warning to both him and his team mates. There has to be discipline when the team prepares for games like this."

Gerard was viewed as one of Spain's most promising young players when he joined Barcelona from Valencia three years ago, but his early progress was hampered by a succession of serious knee injuries.

Meanwhile Swiss star Hakan Yakin will step up his fight to be fit for the crunch clash with Ireland next month when FC Basel play Young Boys Berne in the national Superleague on Sunday.

The 26-year-old playmaker is hoping to start for the first time since July, having scored within six minutes of appearing as a late substitute in Basel's 2-0 UEFA Cup win against Maltyaspor of Turkey on Wednesday.