But a series of injuries and two ankle operations have limited Fowler to just 13 games this season and only one start since the turn of the year.

In fact Fowler has only made the headlines recently for his problems, including a little spat with Graeme Le Saux, and a rather unorthodox goal celebration after scoring against Everton.

He made his England debut in 1996 against Croatia, and was a member of the squad at Euro 96, but he was very much a back-up to the first-choice partnership of Shearer and Sheringham.

His record of over 150 goals in less than 300 appearances for Liverpool is phenomenal, but his thunder has been stolen at Anfield by the boy wonder Michael Owen.

However, at just 25 years of age, he has plenty of time to reaffirm his position at Liverpool and to add to his tally of two goals in 11 international appearances.