Owen plays waiting game

Michael Owen will wait to find out the identity of the new Liverpool manager before making any decision on whether to sign a new contract at Anfield.

But the England striker today denied playing any role in the sacking of Gerard Houllier.

Rumours were rife that senior players - such as Owen and Steven Gerrard - were consulted by the board about what they wanted before a decision was taken.

Owen expressed his "sick feeling in the stomach" at the news of Houllier's departure and said: "I don't want to get involved and I never was involved. I didn't have anything to do with him going. It was the board's decision."

He once again reassured the club that he has no intention of leaving on a free transfer at the end of his contract next year, claiming that "something will be sorted in the summer".

However, despite his self-professed "loyalty" to Liverpool, Owen still needs to be reassured of the club's ambitions if he is to sign anything more than a one-year extension.

Owen said: "I am intrigued to see who the manager is, but also the whole package. I would love to see improvement in the squad and I would love to see a good manager come in.

"Obviously the new stadium is being built, which is right for the club. It sounds like you are holding everyone to ransom but I am not. I just want to be playing in a top team.