IT'S not so long ago that Michael Owen was widely revered as the golden boy of English football.

From the moment he scored that breathtaking goal against Argentina at France 98, the Anfield ace became a national institution.

But I've recently detected a slight change in public opinion where the Liverpool striker is concerned.

Some have suggested Owen is playing without self-belief judging by the way the goals have dried up for the normally prolific 24-year-old.

Others have tried to claim he's a man whose heart is no longer in staying on Merseyside.

And some have even suggested that based on current form, he no longer warrants an automatic place in the England team.

But that's rubbish as far as I'm concerned.

Michael Owen is still one of the best strikers in the Premiership and you can rest assured he'll be one of the first names on Sven Goran Eriksson's team-sheet when Euro 2004 comes around.

However, he's now reached the point where he should be calling time on his Liverpool career because if he really wants to prove himself at the very highest level then he'll have to do it away from Anfield.

Whether that means moving abroad or signing for a Premiership rival like Chelsea, I'm not quite sure.

But the one thing I am certain about is Michael has now out-grown Liverpool Football Club.

He's come to that stage in his career where he should be playing with and against the very best in the business.

If he stays where he is then he runs the risk of standing still as a footballer, which is no good for him and certainly no good for England.

Liverpool have struggled as a team this season and Owen is paying the price for that.

A lot rests on his shoulders at Anfield. He's the only natural goalscorer Gerard Houllier has in his squad and when he struggles, so do Liverpool.

There are various reasons why Owen has failed to score the amount of goals he normally does.

During the past 18 months or so, he's struggled with various injuries.

And all the uncertainty and speculation surrounding his contract situation may well have been playing on his mind.

Perhaps most importantly, though, it's the style of football Liverpool are playing which is hardly conducive for scoring goals.

Houllier's side don't make sacks of chances and Michael isn't the type of player who makes opportunities for himself like Thierry Henry does.

Owen relies on service and that's an area in which Liverpool have struggled all season.