Owen still worried about hamstring injury

Michael Owen is apprehensive after recent injuries

England striker Michael Owen is worried about his recent hamstring injury recurring during Euro 2000.

The Liverpool hitman has suffered several times this season with hamstring trouble - and is only now close to full fitness.

But manager Gerard Houllier has revealed Owen still has doubts about the injury holding up this summer.

"Obviously there is still a mental barrier for Michael to get over," Houllier explained.

"He has admitted he is worried about the injury recurring but he will have to push it to the limit.

There is still a mental barrier for Michael to get over

Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier

"Either the injury will occur again or he will come through the mental barrier," the Liverpool boss added.

Top professor Gary Cooper, head of psychology at UMIST, believes Owen's apprehension is only natural after a long-term injury.

"Michael is just like any other footballer who comes back from a long-term injury - they are frightened about it happening again and they will play a slightly different, more protective game," he said.

Will Michael Owen be fully fit for England?

But Cooper also thinks Owen will soon be back to his confident, injury-free best.

"He will build up his self-confidence by scoring a few goals, playing well and seeing that his hamstring is robust.

"When that takes too long, that is where the danger point can lie, but I can't see that happening with Michael. I think he can handle this because he's still young and also very level-headed.

A fully-fit Owen would be hoping to start up front for England in Euro 2000 and repeat the immediate impact he made at France 98, his wonder goal against Argentina helping to make him an automatic choice.

But his recent injuries and the emergence of Emile Heskey and Kevin Phillips as real contenders mean his starting place may no longer be guaranteed.