Houllier backs Owen over penalties

Gerard Houllier has thrown his support behind Michael Owen as Liverpool's penalty taker.

Owen's penalty against Aston Villa cannoned back off goalkeeper Peter Enckelman's legs at a time when a second goal was vital to kill off the match.

But Houllier has no worries about Owen's nerve. He said: "I told Michael not to worry, I said to him that he always scores the important goals and he mustn't worry about missing penalties."

In fact Owen - recovered from a hamstring problem which blighted his World Cup - was back in the groove and could have had a hat-trick at Villa had it not been for a wonder display by Enckelman.

Houllier added: "Had it not been for a great display by their goalkeeper he would have had a hat-trick, but Michael never lets his head drop and just keeps playing the way he always does. I have no worries about him."