Houllier challenges Owen to set 'unbreakable' record

Gerard Houllier has challenge Michael Owen to set a Liverpool scoring record in Europe that will be “unbreakable”.

The Liverpool manager has responded to Owen’s 21st European goal for the club - breaking Ian Rush’s previous top tally of 20 – by wanting more from the England striker.

Owen hauled Liverpool back into their UEFA Cup first round tie against Olimpija Ljubljana with a headed equaliser to put the Anfield side in the driving seat for the return leg on October 15.

Houllier said: “Michael broke the record and I am sure that thought was somewhere in his head. He broke it with a fantastic goal, and such an important goal for us. I was pleased and proud for him and his family.

“I hope he now goes on to score many more goals in Europe for us, he is only 23 and I want him to set a record that will be unbreakable for those who will follow.

“Time is on his side and he can achieve that. But it is not only about scoring goals with Michael.”

He added: “It is his all-round game that has improved a lot. His contribution to the rest of the team has become fantastic. Not just because of the trophies that we have won, it is the fact that he moves better and links better with the rest of the players.

“He is getting stronger and stronger, that was why there was no need for me to spare him for this game. I had a chat before the game and he said he felt fine, and I just told him I would prefer for him to play.

“Four years ago I would have rested him. That would have been good then, but now he is a man and strong. His physic is excellent and he can respond better to big games now.”

Owen, too, is determined to continue to expand his game, and he is quick to underline how much he feels he has improved.

Owen said: “Of course I am proud of the record, but more important was that I contributed to a good result for the club.

“When I first came into the Liverpool team people talked about how quick I was and that I could score goals, but they also said I was not very good at holding the ball up, or that I had no left foot and did not score with my head.

“Now, with a lot of work, I feel I have proved that there is a lot more to my game. I believe that I have improved my game. I hope this is evident now.

“I am proud of the goals I have scored with my head for England, and it was another header on Wednesday.

“I have worked to improve so many parts of my game. I am happy now that people are noticing.”

Houllier admitted he attempted to rest Steven Gerrard, who was ultimately forced into action when Danny Murphy was injured early on.

Houllier said: “I do need to look after Steven. He is vital for us and I want to protect him. He has a slight knee niggle, nothing serious but he plays so many games I will be careful with him.

“He plays in a sitting role in front of the back four, it is an important role because he has to protect the defence and start moves. It is a tough job and demanding.”