Houllier keeps faith in Owen's spot-kicks

Michael Owen will continue as Liverpool’s penalty taker when they take on Swiss side Basle in the Champions League tomorrow.

Liverpool’s striker, who has yet to score from open play this season, missed his second penalty of the campaign in Saturday’s 2-0 home win over West Brom.

It was his seventh penalty miss in the 15 he has taken for the first team.

But boss Gerard Houllier, who has steadfastly backed Owen during his goal famine, has made it clear he has total confidence in the 22 year-old.

Houllier said: “If we get a penalty against Basle then Michael will take it if he wants to. It’s as simple as that.”