‘Owen will stay at Anfield’: Houllier

GERARD HOULLIER has revealed Michael Owen has told him he will not be leaving Liverpool and the Anfield chief seems certain to plunge an only marginally-fit Owen into the Carling Cup clash with Blackburn at Ewood Park.

The third round tie will bring back memories of the acrimonious league match in September, when Owen scored twice in a 3-1 Liverpool win, Milan Baros and Jamie Carragher suffered fractured legs, and Houllier and Graeme Souness engaged in an angry war of words in the aftermath.

But Houllier is more concerned with the fitness of Owen after a shin injury, and the England striker's often doubted desire to stay at the club.