Owen is our inspiration - Houllier

By Craig McWalter
April 20 2002

Gerard Houllier praised Michael Owen after his Double which sent Derby down and sent Liverpool back top of the Premiership. Houllier says Owen is the reds "inspiration"

Gerard Houllier hailed Michael Owen's massive contribution to Liverpool, as The Reds regained the Premiership top spot in the league ,defeating Derby County 2-0.

Owen sscored 2 goals to take his record for the season to 27 in 40 games, on the day that Owen was presented with the European Footballer of the Year trophy.

Owen's double strike sent Derby into the First Division.

Houllier said: "After the chances he missed against Bayer Leverkusen he has come back to score at Sunderland, then for England, now these two.

"He was an inspiration for England and now he's got more for us. And he could have had a couple more too.

"Before the game he received a fantastic award, that's a tremendous achievement.

"He was hammered by critics for missing those chances in Europe, but he's mentally strong and confident about himself.''

And on the title race, Houllier added: "The lads feel they can win their last three games and I agree with them. Arsenal have to go to Manchester United and still have a London derby against West Ham, I just hope they drop a few points.

"It's a wonderful title race and we could get over 80 points and still not win it. But we will take our hats off to the team that gets more points than us.''

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