Fowler believes present Reds are better than side he left

ROBBIE FOWLER rates the new Liverpool under Rafael Benitez a far better outfit than the one he left behind four years ago.

The 30-year-old’s love affair was dramatically ended when he was sold to Leeds in November 2001 for £11 million. He had fallen out with Gerard Houllier despite having just been part of the treble success of FA Cup, Worthington Cup and UEFA Cup. Liverpool had also won the European Super Cup and Charity Shield and secured Champions League qualification as Premiership runners-up. It was the pinnacle of the Houllier era, one that Fowler was very soon to be forced out of by the Frenchman, despite having scored in the League Cup final against Birmingham and come off the bench to bag a classic in the UEFA Cup final against Alaves in Dortmund.

That Fowler strike is a goal even now Benitez admits to logging away in his memory bank. When Fowler steps out - probably only as substitute - for his homecoming match against Birmingham to the expected heroes’ reception, he is convinced times have changed for the better.

For Fowler, this will be an emotional occasion. It has been a long, painful time for him watching his beloved club from afar but what he has witnessed has warmed the heart of a die-hard Liverpool fan.

Fowler insists there have not been any tears of emotion from him yet, which is why he admits to trying hard not to dwell too much on the reception he will get.

Benitez will stick with his rotation of Peter Crouch, Fernando Morientes and Djibril Cisse initially against Birmingham, and Fowler has not given thought to who he may soon be partnering.

Meanwhile, Steve Bruce has admitted Birmingham newcomer Martin Latka faces a daunting baptism against Liverpool.

Central defender Latka, signed on loan from Slavia Prague for the remainder of the season, could be thrust straight into action with Kenny Cunningham and Martin Taylor still sidelined through injury.

The Czech Republic U-21 international, who could seal a permanent £1.7m (€2.5m) move in the summer, is set to partner Matthew Upson - available again after serving a one match suspension.

The Blues did the double over Liverpool last season and drew 2-2 at St Andrews this season but Bruce feels the Merseysiders are becoming a force again. Left-back Jamie Clapham will come into contention after recovering from the knee injury suffered after scoring in their draw with Man United.