Liverpool's Fowler aiming to repeat Fulham scoring success - March 15, 2006
Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler hopes history repeats tonight against Fulham. Back in 1993, Fowler marked his Liverpool bow with a goal in a 3-1 League Cup victory at Craven Cottage.
Yet it was nothing compared to the return leg where the striker hit a staggering FIVE on his Anfield debut.
Fowler, still searching for his first goal since joining the Reds for a second spell in January, admitted he will remember those two glory nights when he runs out to face Chris Coleman's men in tonight's Premiership clash.
He admitted: "It will bring back some incredible memories for me when Fulham come to Anfield. I never like looking too long at the past but I know a lot of people will focus on the goals I scored against them.
"It was an amazing night and I suppose, if I think back now, I can hardly believe it happened.
"To score five goals on your home debut is something that only happens in comic books - and the funny thing is I could have had more.
"I can remember coming into the dressing room afterwards and our coach Ronnie Moran was telling me how I could have had eight if I'd been more clinical.
"It was the perfect start for me and a lot of the Liverpool fans still want to talk to me about it."
Fowler, 30, has had the ball in the net three times since his return from Manchester City - but every one has been disallowed.
He added: "I'm only sorry I haven't scored the goals to repay the manager for bringing me back and the fans for their incredible backing.
It is what I want more than anything.
"I know I have it in me. I'm confident and I feel if I can get in the right positions, then I'll put the ball in the net - as long as the linesmen do their job properly! I am fit now and in decent nick.
"There has been a lot of talk about scoring goals but it is unfair to just blame the strikers.
"We are all in this together and we feel responsibility as a team for the lack of goals. There is no point blaming individuals. Nobody is missing on purpose.
"I've been around long enough to know it happens and that you come through it. We have some incredible talent at this club and it's nonsense to talk of a crisis.
"We felt we would have won at Highbury on Sunday if Xabi Alonso hadn't been unfairly sent off. That would have put it into perspective.
"But if I'm involved against Fulham, I am ready to show I can repay the faith so many people have placed in me."
Yet it was nothing compared to the return leg where the striker hit a staggering FIVE on his Anfield debut.
Fowler, still searching for his first goal since joining the Reds for a second spell in January, admitted he will remember those two glory nights when he runs out to face Chris Coleman's men in tonight's Premiership clash.
He admitted: "It will bring back some incredible memories for me when Fulham come to Anfield. I never like looking too long at the past but I know a lot of people will focus on the goals I scored against them.
"It was an amazing night and I suppose, if I think back now, I can hardly believe it happened.
"To score five goals on your home debut is something that only happens in comic books - and the funny thing is I could have had more.
"I can remember coming into the dressing room afterwards and our coach Ronnie Moran was telling me how I could have had eight if I'd been more clinical.
"It was the perfect start for me and a lot of the Liverpool fans still want to talk to me about it."
Fowler, 30, has had the ball in the net three times since his return from Manchester City - but every one has been disallowed.
He added: "I'm only sorry I haven't scored the goals to repay the manager for bringing me back and the fans for their incredible backing.
It is what I want more than anything.
"I know I have it in me. I'm confident and I feel if I can get in the right positions, then I'll put the ball in the net - as long as the linesmen do their job properly! I am fit now and in decent nick.
"There has been a lot of talk about scoring goals but it is unfair to just blame the strikers.
"We are all in this together and we feel responsibility as a team for the lack of goals. There is no point blaming individuals. Nobody is missing on purpose.
"I've been around long enough to know it happens and that you come through it. We have some incredible talent at this club and it's nonsense to talk of a crisis.
"We felt we would have won at Highbury on Sunday if Xabi Alonso hadn't been unfairly sent off. That would have put it into perspective.
"But if I'm involved against Fulham, I am ready to show I can repay the faith so many people have placed in me."
