Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has reportedly ruled out a return to Anfield for Michael Owen.
The Newcastle United striker is widely expected to leave St James' Park at the end of the season when his contract expires and he had been linked with a return to his former club.
However, Benitez, who happily brought Robbie Fowler back to the club, insisted he would not be offering the same opportunity to Owen.
"It's different for Michael than Robbie,” he told the Sunday Mirror.
“He knew it was a fantastic opportunity for him to come back to Liverpool after being injured and not playing many games for City.
“It's different with Michael. He's still young, has years to play and is a top striker who wants to play every game.
“For now, I'm happy with Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard as our forward players.”
Benitez’s words are likely to disappoint Owen, who is struggling for form in a beleaguered Newcastle side.
The striker is without a goal since January and heads to Anfield today to take on his former club in a must-win game for the Magpies.
Yet, the latest reports suggest that manager Alan Shearer may decide to drop Owen for the clash and he may have to settle for a place on the bench.
The Newcastle United striker is widely expected to leave St James' Park at the end of the season when his contract expires and he had been linked with a return to his former club.
However, Benitez, who happily brought Robbie Fowler back to the club, insisted he would not be offering the same opportunity to Owen.
"It's different for Michael than Robbie,” he told the Sunday Mirror.
“He knew it was a fantastic opportunity for him to come back to Liverpool after being injured and not playing many games for City.
“It's different with Michael. He's still young, has years to play and is a top striker who wants to play every game.
“For now, I'm happy with Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard as our forward players.”
Benitez’s words are likely to disappoint Owen, who is struggling for form in a beleaguered Newcastle side.
The striker is without a goal since January and heads to Anfield today to take on his former club in a must-win game for the Magpies.
Yet, the latest reports suggest that manager Alan Shearer may decide to drop Owen for the clash and he may have to settle for a place on the bench.
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