Premiership: Houllier praise for strike duo

Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier was pleased to see his strike duo respond to some recent criticism with fine displays in the 2-0 win over Newcastle.

Houllier threw under-pressure Robbie Fowler into the starting line-up alongside Emile Heskey at St James' Park.

Although a neatly-taken disallowed goal by Fowler was as close as either came to getting his name on the scoresheet, Sven-Goran Eriksson's watching deputy Tord Grip will have passed on encouraging reports.

The Liverpool manager, who last week had challenged Fowler to prove he was worth a place, declined to comment directly on his individual display, but was happy with the contribution of the pair.

"They worked extremely hard and I mean they worked extremely hard," he said.

"Both of them sometimes were game-aware enough to come back and help the defence or drop into midfield to give a hand.

"When you see the criticism that was addressed at Emile Heskey after the Kiev game, I nearly went ballistic about it because he works hard and he helps the team."

Newcastle boss Bobby Robson was more forthcoming, adding: "Robbie Fowler is one of England's greatest strikers.

"He looked a bit fitter today. When he was given offside, what a goal he took. It shows what a chance he can take. Thank God the linesman was bright.

"Fowler needed 90 minutes to put himself in better shape, but I don't pick the team. We know what Robbie Fowler is."

Liverpool produced a thoroughly professional display at St James' as an early goal from John Arne Riise and a late Danny Murphy strike earned all three points.

Houllier added: "I would like to give a lot of praise to the players. For the first time in many, many games I didn't use any substitutes because I felt the team was doing well and I didn't want to unsettle anything.

"We've beaten a strong team. I know that some killjoys will say Liverpool won easily, but I think they were strong and they gave us a game."