Houllier ready to unleash strikers

Gerard Houllier is hoping that his strikers will see off the Czech challenge that stands between Liverpool and Uefa Cup progress. Emile Heskey, who scored a late goal to secure a first-leg advantage a fortnight ago, Robbie Fowler - back among the goals after nearly a year without scoring - and fit-again Michael Owen are all about to be unleashed on Liverpool's opponents, Slovan Liberec.

Gerard Houllier is hoping that his strikers will see off the Czech challenge that stands between Liverpool and Uefa Cup progress. Emile Heskey, who scored a late goal to secure a first-leg advantage a fortnight ago, Robbie Fowler - back among the goals after nearly a year without scoring - and fit-again Michael Owen are all about to be unleashed on Liverpool's opponents, Slovan Liberec.

"This is the first time we have had all of our three England strikers available for the same match since Emile joined in March," Houllier said. "Heskey is in fine form, Robbie looks to be back on song after his goal against Chelsea and Michael is back in full training after his head injury problems."

Houllier has also responded to the criticism levelled at Liverpool's defence following their capitulation against Leeds at the weekend. He is aware his expensively-assembled back line has been lambasted for the way they allowed the opposition to come back from 2-0 and 3-2 deficits to win a crucial Premiership encounter.

"I accept that our defence did not do well at Leeds," he said. "I felt that they lost concentration towards the end and the boys know what they have to do to put that right. We made errors and paid dearly. I felt the side looked tired at the end after five games so close together.

"We know we will have to look at our defensive duties, and I do not believe there is any such thing as an easy game in Europe these days, despite what people were telling us before this tie about Slovan. But we will be facing this European tie with great confidence, with our three top strikers to chose from."

Liverpool will be without the midfielder Patrik Berger, who flew to the United States yesterday for surgery on his knee.