Peter White on Liverpool's aerial threat

THE absence of both Michael Owen and Robbie Fowler from tomorrow's vital Ewood clash should not be allowed to lull Blackburn Rovers into a false sense of defensive security.

For their defences must remain on red alert as Liverpool prepare to launch the Luftwaffe - in the shape of German striker Karlheinz Riedle, a man with a point to prove.

Riedle has already made it clear that he intends to stay for another year at Anfield, though he has yet to actually put pen to paper on a new deal.

And, if the premature end to the season for Owen and Fowler is a stunning blow to Reds boss Gerard Houllier, it does at least give Riedle a golden opportunity to show he is a genuine contender for a more regular first team spot.

The manager's main problem is who to play alongside his former European Cup-winning star.

Sean Dundee has struggled to look the part and Houllier may turn to Steve McManaman or another ex-Borussia Dortmund star, Czech Patrik Berger, to partner the German.

A real power in the air, Riedle scored at The Dell in Liverpool's opening match of the campaign.

But starts, and subsequently goals, have not been as frequent as he would have liked.

Nevertheless, with the Anfield season in danger of spluttering to a frustrating full stop, Riedle is one man who has more cause than most to salvage something from the wreckage. And he has already been persuaded that he can play a part in Houllier's revolution.

"I have been thinking for a long time what to do because I could leave and go back to Germany and join a club that would have me always in the starting line-up," he said.

"But Liverpool is a big club and it will be a different sort of challenge to stay here and sign for them. In the end it was a decision that I felt was right for me.

"I think Gerard is a very good coach and it's clear he needs a little bit of time to get things right here.

"You can't change things in two or three months. He has his ideas about players and maybe Liverpool must now give him the power to buy his players and then, at the end, you can say how good he is."

Riedle also believes that, for all the present Anfield problems, there are enough talented young players to ensure a brighter future.

"There are such big talents here in England, players who are 18, 19 and 20 years old," he added.

"It's a massive difference between here and Germany. In England there are much better young players than in Germany.

"I enjoy being here at Liverpool with young players like Michael Owen and Robbie Fowler."

It could take longer to repair the Reds than their success-hungry fans would like to think. But Riedle is certainly not marking time. What Rovers must concern themselves with tomorrow is who is marking him.

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