Kewell living his European dream

The talented forward grew up in Australia as a long- distance fan of the Merseyside giants when stories of the great nights at the famous stadium fuelled an ambition to experience them for himself oneday.

Although Kewell was heavily involved in big European nights at Leeds, he occasionally travelled across the Pennines to watch Gerard Houllier's men face continental opposition.

He was in the crowd when Liverpool beat Roma last March to reach the Champions League quarter-finals at a time when emotions were running high as Houllier

returned to take charge of the team for the first time following heart surgery.

Kewell said: 'My agent took me along and we experienced a great atmosphere. I know how important European football is to Liverpool.'

Although the Slovenians do not provide the most illustrious opposition, it is still a very special occasion for the 25- year- old following his £5million summer move.

Michael Owen misses the tie with the shin injury that kept him out of England's showdown in Turkey, so Kewell is set to start up front alongside Emile Heskey.

He said: 'I'm loving it here. It was always my dream to play for Liverpool, but the reality is actually better than the dream.' Meanwhile, Newcastle star Craig Bellamy has been forced out of their UEFA Cup-tie against NAC Breda in Holland tonight with a left knee injury.

The Wales striker has been ordered to rest for a few days after returning from his country's European Championship qualifying defeat at home to Serbia.

Newcastle take a comfortable 5-0 lead into tonight's match, but Bellamy's absence has angered manager Sir Bobby Robson who said: 'Is frustrating the word? Yes it is, but I can think of a couple of others.'

Bellamy will again be replaced by England Under 21 player Shola Ameobi, who has impressed the Newcastle manager with his recent performances against Portugal and Turkey.
<