Michael Owen is hell-bent on providing an emphatic answer to his England axing.

The Liverpool striker, the Premiership's top scorer this season, was omitted by caretaker England boss Howard Wilkinson for the midweek international in Finland.

Owen did not even get on as substitute to play in the goalless draw in Helsinki and is now back in the Anfield ranks and preparing for tomorrow's clash at struggling Derby.

His response will be interesting. He is certainly a young man fired up by a week of England intrigue, resignations and pack-shuffling.

Owen said: ''I think my form is as good as it has been for a long time.

''I've got confidence in my ability no matter what happens. Even if I'm left out of the side for an international it won't affect my confidence. Nothing can dent that at the moment.

''The only way to respond to any situation of criticism is on the field. There's no point in me saying I should be playing.

''The best thing for me to do is to prove it on the pitch. Derby is my next game and I'll be doing my best there as I always do when I play for England.

''When you are playing well for your club it makes a big difference. That's very important, no matter what's happening with other things.''

Owen would be forgiven at the moment for thinking that England brings too much pain. A poor display against the Germans, a cold night on the bench in Finland, followed by claims back home that he cares more for England than he does for Liverpool.

Owen is equally clear on that subject too. He said: ''I've read letters in the local paper that I only care about England, but no one can question my feelings towards Liverpool.

''I sometimes wonder whether people who say such things have actually been to see me in Liverpool games.''

Owen's England pal Steven Gerrard is almost certainly out of the clash with struggling Derby.

The midfielder, who was sent home from the England squad with a thigh problem, is still not considered fit enough for a Premiership return.

But after a midweek practice match, there's every chance that Gary McAllister, Patrik Berger and Vladimir Smicer could return to the squad after long-term problems.

Robbie Fowler, another who returned early from England duty and did not travel to Finland, is still short of match practice and is expected to start on the bench with Owen and Emile Heskey spearheading the attack.

Liverpool have agreed a deal with Dynamo Zagreb for Croatian international Igor Biscan.

Biscan, 22, was impressive as a second-half substitute in the 1-1 draw with Scotland on Wednesday and Reds boss Gerard Houllier is delighted to have clinched a deal for the £7m-rated midfielder.

Biscan will arrive at Anfield in December, during the mid-winter break in the Croatian season.

Liverpool have beaten off competition from several top European clubs to persuade Biscan to move to Anfield and Houllier told the club's official website: ''I am delighted to say things have now moved on significantly.

"We've reached an agreement with his club. We now hope he will join us at the end of his current season with Zagreb.