Keegan wary of Owen threat

Kevin Keegan reckons he should be more worried about Michael Owen than Liverpool.

Owen has managed just a single goal so far this season – and that was from the penalty spot. The England hit man drew another blank in the disappointing 1-1 Champions League draw with Basle at Anfield on Wednesday and is sweating on his place for tomorrow’s trip to Manchester City.

But Keegan, whose side have not been beaten at Maine Road for 12 months, sticks to the mantra that while form is temporary, class is permanent.

And, having been Owen’s manager at international level, Keegan is keenly aware the young striker will not be struggling for long.

“For the first time in his career – at any level – they are not quite going in for Michael,” said Keegan.

“That worries me because he is due a goal.

“He played really well the other night and you can tell from the reception he got the fans aren’t worried about him.

“Knowing Michael, he won’t be too bothered. He is the same if he scores a hat-trick or he doesn’t score at all. You don’t hear him shout about all the things he has done. He is European Footballer of the Year and will continue to be an asset to the club.”

Keegan will be looking for a similar response from his team to that which they produced against another former club Newcastle at the beginning of the season.

On that occasion, a 1-0 scoreline flattered the Magpies, who were mesmerised by the quality of City’s attacking play.

While Keegan indicated tomorrow’s opponents offer an even greater challenge, there are enough pointers in the home side’s favour to offer encouragement.

“They had a tough game on Wednesday so we need to get some tempo into our game and try to take advantage,” he said.

“We also need to take care of their strengths, which are more or less everywhere given they finished second last season.

“It is over 30 years since I joined them and they are still a special club to me. It’s like a pilgrimage to go back there – but that just makes it even more important to beat them.”

Nicolas Anelka will probably think the same given an expected permanent move to Anfield was scrapped during the summer after an impressive loan stint at the end of last term.

Gerard Houllier turned his back on the France international at the 11th hour, giving Keegan the chance to make him City’s record signing.

He has started to repay that faith already with a string of impressive performances, often acting as a lone striker, which has also brought him four goals.

“I would think Nicolas would want to prove a point to Gerard but he can’t go out and work any harder than he already has,” admitted Keegan.

“I am pretty sure he will want to score but there is a bit of a gap between wanting it and doing it and we have to fill it in.”

City will be without skipper Ali Benarbia following his dismissal against Arsenal, while Danny Tiatto needs a scan after picking up an injury on reserve team duty against Everton in midweek.

Shaun Goater is back after a groin injury but with Keegan pledging to play two up front despite an improved defensive showing at West Ham last Saturday, Darren Huckerby is more likely to be recalled.

Northern Ireland international Kevin Horlock will join Marc-Vivien Foe in the midfield holding slots with Eyal Berkovic given the playmaking responsibilities.

The goalless draw against the Hammers might not have been classic Keegan but after gifting two goals each to Arsenal and Blackburn with careless defensive blunders on their previous two outings, City’s chief admits he may have to tighten things up in future.

“Last week was a turning point because we showed we can defend and get behind the ball,” he said.

“It doesn’t look pretty and it might not be the way I want to play – but if I have to I will.”