Football: Liverpool on alert for Owen.

Byline: IAN DOYLE

LIVERPOOL will monitor Michael Owen's situation after the striker revealed his frustration at Real Madrid.

The former Anfield forward is concerned that his lack of first-team football at the Bernabeu may jeopardise his chances of playing in next year's World Cup with England.

And Liverpool would have any first option on Owen under the terms of the transfer which saw him move to Madrid in August.

``I want to play 90 minutes every week and until I hang up my boots I will always want to do that, '' said Owen, who came off the bench to score Madrid's equaliser in the 2-1 win at Osasuna last night.

``At the moment I am trying to play as much as I can. Sometimes I Continued on Page 39 feel I am happy. Then the next week I might be on the bench and I am a bit low in myself again. It is frustrating because I want to play 90 minutes. It is not the best way to prepare for the next World Cup. ''

Real coach Wanderley Luxemburgo concedes Owen is doing everything right in training.

He said: ``I like him a lot. He is always willing, ready to listen to things. He is a bit introverted, but he has got character. ''