FOWLER ALWAYS IN HOULLIER`S PLANS

The striker has had an upturn in form recently, with starring performances in league and cup games prompting calls for a return to the international team.

However, during his barren spell it was reported that The Reds were willing to sell him, with Chelsea and Aston Villa both tabling bids for the 26-year-old.

Houllier, though, has insisted that he always believed Fowler would stay, commenting: "It would have been a defeat for me to sell him. I never actually thought he would go because he loves the club and is Liverpool through and through.

"If we had been forced to take the decision to sell Robbie, it would have been because we had tried everything and hadn't convinced him to do the right thing.

"I think you have to realise that not all players are the same.  You have to help some players more than others.  I think we have been supportive with Robbie, and he has looked a different player in the last five matches.

"Yes, we had to spend time with him, but he has such a special talent that it was time well spent.

"In the end, though, it was not about his team-mates or the manager.  He has done it for the benefit of himself and the club, and it doesn't look as if it is just going to be a short spell.

"It is a new start in his career, and he has a lot of respect at the club.  When I signed a lot of new players at the start of last season, the player most of them talked about was Robbie Fowler."

Meanwhile, Reds defender Markus Babbel has reiterated his decision to retire from international football, following reports that the German team were going to try and persuade him to have a re-think.