You’ll never walk alone, Houllier tells Owen

LIVERPOOL manager Gerard Houllier has promised Michael Owen he can look forward to his continued support.

The England striker has not scored in open play since the final day of last season against Ipswich and missed a penalty on Saturday in the 2-0 defeat of West Brom. “I have always supported him and I always will,” the Anfield boss said.

“Okay, things aren’t going the way he wants them to at the moment, but I don’t believe in it being bad luck.

“Michael’s all-round game has improved, he’s moving all over the place on the field to create space and he’s working very hard.

“I am sure that because of the work he is putting in he will eventually get the success he deserves.

“If he had managed to convert most of his chances he would be the Premiership’s leading scorer now.”

Asked if he believed Owen had the correct mindset to overcome his problems, Houllier replied: “You’ve got to be mentally strong if you are the European Footballer of the Year at 21.”

Owen, who is set to face Basle in the Champions League tomorrow, also knows he has the overwhelming support of the dressing room.

Club captain Sami Hyypia said: “Michael was very unlucky on Saturday. He missed the penalty and a couple of other chances and I really felt sorry for him.

“He’s going through a period where the goals aren’t going in but he’ll soon turn things around. Everyone in the squad will help him get through this spell.”

Liverpool’s victory over West Brom came on the back of a Champions League defeat in Valencia.

Hyypia added: “It was good to get back to winning ways and to keep a clean sheet.”