Robbie Fowler is again ready to put the 'frighteners' on Premiership defences, claims team-mate Dietmar Hamann.

The German midfielder said he had been hugely impressed by the Liverpool striker's comeback, which continues in the top-of-the-table clash at Sunderland, where he will be in direct competition with Wearside hotshot Kevin Phillips.

Phillips and Fowler could be competing for one striking role alongside Emile Heskey in Sven-Goran Eriksson's first England side next month.

But Hamann reckoned his 25-year-old team-mate was in the right frame of mind for the showdown.

Hamann said: ''Robbie is playing brilliantly right now, and he is really back to his best.

''I've seen what Robbie is capable of in training and his finishing is frightening at times. Now he's starting to show that on the pitch again and he's brimming with confidence.

''A confident Robbie Fowler would scare the hell out of any defence. Against West Ham last week he was sensational, and I'm so pleased for him because he has had quite a hard time of it recently.

''People were suggesting that his Liverpool days were over, but what a way to answer his critics.''

Hamann was also supportive of another England candidate, Michael Owen, who could be on the bench against Sunderland after a reserve comeback in midweek following his latest hamstring problem.

Hamann added: ''It's ridiculous when people suggest that Michael Owen is finished and isn't as good as he used to be.

''He's only 20 and already is an experienced international. Michael is phenomenal, and in my opinion he's one of the best in the business. There is still a lot to come from him.

''When Michael is fit and ready for action, Gerard Houllier is going to have a tough job on his hands deciding who plays up front. We have four great strikers here and they will all have a part to play.''

Liverpool will almost certainly be without Czech midfielder Vladimir Smicer, with a twisted ankle, as well as not being able to call on Danny Murphy, Jamie Carragher and Nicky Barmby through injury.

But Igor Biscan and Markus Babbel have recovered from injuries and should hold their places.

But it will be the clash between Fowler and Phillips that will interest a full house.

Manager Houllier said: ''I don't compare the players, both have got their assets and both are lethal and clinical in their finishing. I don't compare because I prefer Robbie Fowler and I want to keep him.

''Kevin Phillips is a good striker. We remember what he did against us at Anfield earlier in the season. He scored a fine goal and was very lively. But I have strikers and we have as good material. I rate opponents, but I rate my team as well.

''Robbie has shown he is on his way back to his best, to the level he used to have a few years ago, and he can get even better.''

On what he accepts will be a very physical battle with a direct Sunderland side, Houllier added: ''Facing Sunderland is never easy. They have done very well and are a genuine contender for a Champions League spot.

''Peter Reid has done a fine job there as manager, they have good players and are hard to beat.

''They are strong and physical, they also play good football and can score goals.

''But we have the material to respond to that. We are also very strong and very physical.

''Height wise I don't think Niall Quinn is any taller than Sami Hyypia, so we are all right there. When I came here I tried to improve the defensive height of our side and the aerial ability of our team, and I don't think anyone would argue that we have done better in that department. They have got their strengths and their weaknesses, and we have to work to nullify their strength in the air.''