Premiership: Fowler is not yet at his peak - Houllier

Gerard Houllier will adopt a softly-softly approach to Robbie Fowler's comeback.

The striker scored the first goal in Liverpool's 4-1 Champions League victory over Haka, to ensure that the Merseysiders will figure in the group-stages draw.

The match was Fowler's comeback after making his peace with coach Phil Thompson.

Houllier said: "I was pleased he scored, and it was a typical centre-forward's goal. But he needs more matches and he won't be rushed.

"I felt he looked short of fitness last week when he played for England too, and he will have plenty of training and some more matches before he is back to his peak."

The fact Fowler played the full match while Michael Owen was rested from the entire squad, suggests that Owen will get the nod to play in Friday's European Super Cup final against Bayern Munich in Monaco.

Houllier hailed Liverpool's 9-1 aggregate victory over the Finnish champions, which also opens the way to an estimated £11m from the competition in terms of prize money, TV revenue and merchandising spin-offs.

"I am pleased that Liverpool are now back among the elite. It is an important day for this club, a good day for Liverpool."

Houllier was also delighted with the comeback of skipper Jamie Redknapp, his first outing for 15 months. Redknapp also scored in the 4-1 second-leg triumph.

"Jamie had a very good game, and I only took him off near the end because players tend to get injuries at that stage when they are making their comebacks."