Redknapp scores on return

Redknapp couldn't have wished for a better return

Jamie Redknapp marked his comeback from a year of injury with a free-kick winner three minutes from the end of Liverpool's 3-2 friendly win against German side Bayer Leverkusen.

Redknapp has suffered crippling knee problems and missed all of Liverpool's historic treble cup-winning campaign of last term.

I'm looking forward to being part of this great squad we've got

  Jamie Redknapp

But his curling 20-yarder in the dying minutes in Germany must have given him plenty of satisfaction as Gerard Houllier's team got their build-up to next month's crucial Champions League qualifying tie off to a flying start.

Redknapp told the club's website: "It's great to be back. Let's just hope I can stay fit now.

"I'm not going to put pressure on myself.

"I'm just so pleased that I'm fit again and I'm looking forward to being part of this great squad we've got."

As well as Redknapp's satisfying strike, Liverpool's England hitmen Michael Owen and Emile Heskey warmed up for their World Cup clash with Germany in September with a fine goal apiece.

The Uefa Cup winners' first pre-season friendly saw them miss a penalty, take the lead and be hauled level before snatching a confidence-boosting victory.

Liverpool came back from a missed Robbie Fowler spot kick to lead through Owen and Heskey, but an excellent strike from German international Oliver Neuville looked to have forced a draw before Redknapp's late winner.

Liverpool hitman Michael Owen scored the first goal

The Reds' new £4m signing John Arne Riise made his debut, while Veggard Heggem also made his return in the starting line-up.

Liverpool could have been ahead after 19 minutes when Fowler hit the post from the spot after being brought down in the box.

Two minutes later they were punished when Swiss-born Neuville was quickly onto a Ulf Kirsten pass to beat Sander Westerveld and put Bayer ahead.

The equaliser came on 40 minutes when Smicer's neat through ball sent Owen clear to neatly clip his shot over the advancing Hans Butt.

Liverpool sent out a completely different 11 for the second period, and were back in front after just 34 seconds of the half when Heskey bravely ran onto a Nick Barmby pass to lob Butt before being sent flying by the keeper.

Bayer missed a penalty themselves when Michael Ballack drove wide after a harsh decision against England under-21 youngster Stephen Wright.

Two minutes later, Bayer were level when Neuville beat Pegguy Arphexad from the edge of the box with a fine shot.

All that remained was for Redknapp to take centre stage and drive in the winner.