Fowler set to sign new one-year Liverpool contract

LONDON, May 5 (Reuters) Robbie Fowler is to sign a new one-year contract with Liverpool, the club said today.

The 31-year-old former England striker made a surprise return to Anfield on a free transfer from Manchester City in January and has scored four goals in 15 games, mostly as substitute.

Locally-born Fowler was always a crowd favourite at Anfield in his original nine-year spell from 1992 but has struggled to regain the sharpness that once made him one of the most feared finishers in the game.

However, he did enough to convince manager Rafael Benitez that he was worth another year and will sign a new deal next week.

''This is fantastic news. Robbie has done really well and he deserves this,'' Benitez told the club's website.

''He has scored some vital goals for us and he has worked really hard. I am delighted to have him with us for next season. He is an important member of our squad.'' Fowler scored seven goals in 26 England games, his last appearance coming as a substitute in the 3-0 second round win over Denmark in the 2002 World Cup.

He has been mentioned as a long-shot inclusion for the World Cup squad after Wayne Rooney broke his toe.

REUTERS PG VV1858