We must keep Owen: Gerrard

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has insisted the Reds must not let Michael Owen leave Anfield.

Gerrard spoke out as Liverpool achieved their best win of the season at Chelsea last night, with his club and international team-mate Owen on the bench after his injury troubles.

Jon Holmes, head of the SFX agency which handles Owen’s career, claims that only Champions League qualification will secure the England forward’s name on a new contract at Liverpool.

That outburst angered manager Gerard Houllier, and now Gerrard has had his say on the matter.

“People do not appreciate Michael enough,” he said.

“I play with him all the time and train with him every day. I know he is our main man, and we need to keep hold of him.”

Gerrard hinted Owen has yet to make up his mind where he wants to play.

“It is an important decision for him,” he said.

“I would love Michael to stay, obviously. I have committed myself for another four years and I am sure Michael will too. I have spoken to him a couple of times, and nobody really knows what he is thinking – only himself.”

Owen’s contract runs out in 16 months, and Liverpool want to sign him up again to a new four-year deal.

Gerrard told Sky Sports: “It has come out this week that Jon Holmes has got involved from SFX, which is nothing to do with Michael really.

“The all-important decision is down to Michael, and he will make it. Nobody can question Michael’s loyalty to Liverpool. He has been here since he was eight.

“He has scored a lot of goals for the club and pulled us out of so many games when we have been struggling.”