Fowler: LFC must sign new striker

Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler has urged Rafael Benítez to prioritise signing a top-class striker this summer.

Benitez's plans were rocked this weekend by news that Torres's persistent knee injury will keep him out for the rest of the season, and the former Atletico Madrid front-man now faces a race against time to be fit in time to spearhead Spain's attack at the World Cup in South Africa this summer.

And Fowler, whose 183 goals place him fifth in the all-time top Liverpool goalscorers' list and earned him the nickname 'God' at Anfield, told Goal.com UK that the Reds' over-reliance on the 26-year-old must be addressed by manager Rafael Benitez in the summer.

"Well of course I think they need a striker this summer to cover for Fernando, that's pretty obvious," he said, "When he plays, then what a player he is. But when he hasn't played they have struggled.

"Torres is a fantastic player. Any team would miss a player like him, and of course it is disappointing that he hasn't played as many games as he would have liked.

"But when he isn't there, other players must step in and fill the void, and this season that perhaps hasn't been the case. No disrespect to the players who have come in, but they are massive shoes to fill."

Whether Benitez is given funds to strengthen Liverpool's squad this summer is still subject to debate of course. Last week's announcement that American co-owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks have officially put the club up for sale has clarified the situation somewhat, and whilst Fowler refuses to be drawn on the ins and outs at Anfield, he stresses that any development must be in the best interests of the club.

"The ownership issue is a touchy subject," he said, "And without wishing to sound like I am sitting on the fence too much, it is something that I would rather stay away from.

"All I can say is that as a Liverpool fan, I want whatever is best for the club, and if that is for the club to be sold and for new owners to come in then so be it."

On the pitch, Liverpool have more immediate concerns of course. Volcanic ash clouds permitting, Thursday should see them face Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals of the Europa League, and Fowler, who was part of the side which won the 2001 UEFA Cup under Gerard Houllier, believes the Reds should be excited about the prospect of another European trophy, and should not underestimate the competition's significance.

"Whatever tournament you are in, as a player you just want to win trophies," he said "Liverpool are out of the FA Cup, they can't win the Premier League and can't win the Champions League, and so the next trophy is the Europa League. So they must concentrate on that.

"It is a great competition to win, and as I say a trophy is a trophy - especially a European one.

"I won the UEFA Cup in 2001, and it was a massive occasion. Liverpool are a European team, and so to win a European trophy is great for the club.

"Of course Liverpool want to win the Champions League, but beneath that is the Europa League, and it is still a strong trophy. You get teams in it who have dropped out of the Champions League - like Liverpool - and it is not an easy trophy to win. But Liverpool have a great chance to win it this time."

Fowler's own future is currently uncertain, mirroring that of his former club. His contract with Australian A-League outfit North Queensland Fury is unlikely to be renewed, given the club's financial problems. Reports have recently linked him with a switch to Sydney FC, but does the 36-year-old feel he could still score goals at Liverpool?

"I've had my time at Liverpool, and I loved my time there," he says with a smile, "Yes, being honest, I probably do deep down think that I could still do a job and could still play, but I loved my time at the club.

"Show me any ex-player who wouldn't want to still be playing for Liverpool, and I'll show you a liar!"

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.