I've nothing more to prove, says Owen

Game over: Owen (centre, left) celebrates the win

Liverpool's FA Cup final hero Michael Owen says he has answered his critics in the best way possible - on the pitch.

Owen's double in Cardiff on Saturday secured the Reds' second trophy this season and left Arsenal devastated after the Gunners had dominated for 80 minutes.

But, as Owen explained his hopes for the future, he did not miss the chance to take a swipe at the critics who have claimed he can only use his right foot.

  Highs and Lows

1991: Breaks Ian Rush's goalscoring record for Deeside Primary Schools in North Wales

1997: Scores on his first-team debut against Wimbledon at Selhurst Park

1998: Finishes season joint top scorer in the 1997-98 Premiership. Scores classic strike against Argentina in World Cup. Named BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

1999: Suffers hamstring injury at Leeds on April 12 which rules him out of action for the rest of the season.

2000: Called in for intensive treatment at Anfield in January after suffering his fifth hamstring problem in nine months. Strongly fancied to move to Real Madrid, but stays with Liverpool.

2001: Omitted from Liverpool's Worthington Cup Final side to face Birmingham. Named in Liverpool's FA Cup final side, scoring twice to secure the trophy.

"It's nice to prove people wrong when they say you haven't got a left foot," he said.

"I was supposed to be the worst header and the worst player with my left foot in the league, and how could an England player play when they haven't got a left foot.

"I haven't counted, but I've scored a lot with my left and my head this season - more than other seasons put together.

"It does go to show that I have improved and I am improving."

Owen was given a full 90 minutes in a frustrating match when chances did not arrive until the dying minutes.

And he showed his devastating ability to turn a match, a point that should not be lost on England manager Sven Goran Eriksson.

Owen said: "All you can do is prove things to people like I've done in this final.

"If any manager in any cup competition for England in European Championships can leave you to play 90 minutes, you can prove that you can score as easily in the first as in the 90th.

"Robbie Fowler is the same. Give him half a yard and he will score. It's hard to take a player like that off because you know they can get you back into the game."

Champions dream

Owen then looked to the future and his dream of playing in the Champions League - something will achieve should they win their last league game at Charlton.

Owen has no doubts which is the more important match for Liverpool's ambitions - the trip to the Valley.

"I'd have thought that the Charlton game is now the most important," he said.

One to go: Owen lifts Liverpool's second trophy

"It would be great having a nice break in the summer thinking that we have a load of big games to come in the Champions League next season.

"Champions League means a great deal to me, every top player in the world is playing in it.

"If I want to regard myself in a certain way, I have to play in the Champions League.

"I've still got a load of years to go and I hadn't won any medals before this season and now I've got two, so I know it will come.

"I will play in the Champions League, I just hope we can get it this year."

Champions League means a great deal to me, every top player in the world is playing in it.

Michael Owen

Owen also admitted that a league title was equally important, however.

"The league title is what I want. Personally I'd want to win the league before trying to conquer Europe.

"We'll look at the championship race next season, but I don't think Manchester United will win it by as many points as they have this season.

"It's disappointing for everyone involved trying to catch them, it's been a non-event from early on, but it will be a lot closer next season."