Fitness boost for Fowler

Fowler has appeared in two friendlies in a week

Robbie Fowler took another big step towards England's Euro 2000 squad when he came through another friendly fixture for Liverpool.

The centre-forward, who has missed much of the season with an ankle injury, played 63 minutes of a testimonial for Republic of Ireland stalwarts Tony Cascarino and Steve Staunton.

And there was more good news for England boss Kevin Keegan as two of his other strikers - Michael Owen and Emile Heskey - both scored for Liverpool.

Robbie looks sharper with every game he plays

Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier

The Reds lost 4-2 to an Irish XI in front of 36,000 fans at Dublin's Lansdowne Road.

The 38-year-old Cascarino signed off for Ireland in emphatic style with two late goals, while substitute Dominic Foley and Robbie Keane also found the net for the home side.

But the main talking point of the game was the continued comeback of Fowler, who played the whole of Ronnie Moran's testimonial last Tuesday.

He came through the Dublin game comfortably and, while he was unable to force his way onto the scoresheet, he earned praise from Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier.

"Robbie looks sharper with every game he plays," the Frenchman said.

"But you don't come back after eight months out of top football and start where you left off.

"It will take time. But it was encouraging that Robbie made our first goal for Emile Heskey while with one eye on Euro 2000 it was good that Michael Owen scored."