Robbie Fowler, the Liverpool and England striker, may make his first-team return for his club's UEFA Cup visit to Kosice on September 15th.

Fowler made a surprise comeback for Liverpool reserves at Leicester this week and is likely to be on the bench at least in Slovakia. He may even figure next Wednesday as a substitute in the Premiership match against Coventry at Anfield.

Fowler yesterday said of the theory that two out-and-out goalscorers cannot play together: "Let's just say the partnership with Michael Owen will be interesting. He is playing really well and I have always had confidence in my ability to score goals. But sometimes people forget that I create goals too."

Meanwhile Everton hope to complete the lease signing of the Italian striker Igor Protti next week. Negotiations between them and Lazio are nearing a conclusion and the Everton manager Walter Smith believes that he may have tied up a deal in time for Protti to make his debut in next weekend's Premiership game against Leeds United at Goodison Park.

Coventry City have renewed their efforts to sign the Wolves winger Steve Froggatt for around £1.5 million. The Sky Blues have had one offer for Froggatt turned down by Wolves.