Macca denies Owen quit call

Steve McManaman has insisted that Michael Owen was right to decide to stay at Anfield and has denied implying Liverpool are a 'feeder club'.

The former Reds midfielder provoked an angry response from Gerard Houllier last week after he was quoted as saying that Owen should quit Liverpool and move abroad when his new deal expired so he could fully realise his potential.

But now McManaman, speaking at the England camp ahead of Saturday's crucial World Cup qualifier against Greece, has attempted to put the record straight and insisted he would never criticise Liverpool.

"I can assure Gerard Houllier I didn't say Owen would be better off moving abroad," he said.

"In fact, I think he's made the right decision to stay. I think it will help his development and he will get even better for England."

"All I did say was that going abroad has helped my development. But everyone is different and just because it has been a great experience for me doesn't mean every player will settle abroad."

"I certainly don't think Liverpool are a feeder club for other European sides. They are among the top ten clubs in the world. I am very loyal to Liverpool and I would never criticise them," he added on the club's official website.