Rafa eyes early Fowler decision - 19 Mar 2006

Robbie Fowler's Liverpool future could be decided sooner rather than later according to Reds boss Rafa Benitez.

The once prolific striker shocked English football by rejoining the Anfield outfit back in January, and scored his first goal in his second stint at the club against Fulham on Wednesday.
The 30-year-old is a firm favourite with Reds fans but his ultimate success will be judged on whether he finds the net on a regular basis until the end of the season when his contract expires.
Benitez has concerns over the striker's fitness and the Spaniard has admitted that the club are keen to decide whether to retain Fowler beyond the current campaign as soon as possible.
"Robbie is working every day with the physios and they are trying to get him fit," said Benitez.
"He will be much better after a whole pre-season, but maybe we can't wait until then to decide because he needs to know and we need to know.
"It will be good for him and us if the decision is made early.
"If we say 'No' then we need to look for another striker.
"We need to look at his situation carefully because if he is fit and scoring a lot of goals, the price of a player like him will be high, maybe £10 million."
Liverpool have also been linked with another old boy as they bid to solve their striking problems, although Benitez has brushed off reported interest in Michael Owen who insists he is happy at Newcastle.
"Have you not read what Michael has said about Newcastle" Benitez queried.
Another option for The Reds could be Tottenham's Jermain Defoe as the England international has been linked with a move to Anfield in the English press.
The former West Ham man is struggling to earn a place in Martin Jol's starting XI and the form of Robbie Keane and Mido could jeopardise his World Cup chances.