Heskey has a chance to repay the boss

Gerard Houllier could well be drawn towards the inevitable conclusion that Emile Heskey owes him a match-winning performance tonight.

The Liverpool manager broke the habit of a lifetime last Friday by confirming on the day before a game that Heskey would spearhead his side's formation against Arsenal in the FA Cup Final.

He declared that Heskey brought 'something different' to the team and was established as first-choice striker.

Yet the fact remains that the club are two thirds of the way towards a cup treble due largely to the efforts of Michael Owen and Robbie Fowler.

The unsettled Fowler volleyed a spectacular Worthington Cup Final goal against Birmingham and kept his nerve in the penalty shoot-out, while Owen produced a great solo performance to win the FA Cup.

Heskey's contribution on Saturday was so negligible that it provoked a sharp rebuke from former Liverpool skipper Graeme Souness. Tonight would appear the perfect occasion for Heskey to make his mark in a major final, although he is less certain of a starting role as Houllier ponders a recall for Fowler alongside Owen.