Owen told to adjust running style

Owen is currently undergoing tests to determine the nature of his hamstring problems that have been with him since he burst onto The Premiership scene.

However, his 'burst' type of running and the constant stop-start nature of football undoubtably adds to the strain on players' bodies.

Now experts believe that they have pinpointed the problem, with Owen seen to put too much pressure on his heels and consequently further up his leg, than most top sprinters, who run on their toes.

Liverpool called in biomechanical specialists to analyse Owen's running style and came back with the news that it was likely to be the different way of running that caused many of his injuries.

Running on the heels causes strain on the hamstring, calves and Achilles tendons and this could lead to more serious injuries at any time.

Bernard Nolan told The Express: "The fact is that having a running posture like this, running on the heels, means that hamstring injuries are far more likely.

"If alterations to the footwear don't work, there are particular exercises to change the way a person moves to deal with the problem.

"It's almost like learning to run all over again.  A few years ago, football physiotherapists would have treated a hamstring injury at source.

"That means they would be dealing with the problem and not necessarily the cause.

"In the case of someone with this sort of complaint, not dealing with the root of the problem would mean them staying fit for a few months and then breaking down again."