Owen back for Reds

Latest: Liverpool 0 Leeds 0

Michael Owen made a surprise return to the Liverpool line-up today following a shin injury.

Liverpool had lost their last three league matches for the first time under manager Gerard Houllier.

Owen had barely trained for three weeks and was not expected to be available for this clash with the equally-desperate Yorkshiremen.

But Houllier made a last-minute decision to risk the England striker and also had Danny Murphy back on the bench.

Houllier left out Stephane Henchoz, who played last week in the defeat at Portsmouth, restoring Igor Biscan to the heart of defence.

Leeds boss Peter Reid retained the same side that lost narrowly to Manchester United last week. James Milner was retained on the wing and Brazilian Roque Junior stayed on the bench.