Liverpool currently sit proudly at the top of the Premiership table and their recent surge to summit has been underpinned by two of England's finest - Michael Owen and Danny Murphy.

Their styles are different but they are two of the very best performers in the country at the moment. The pair struck a goal a piece against Spurs on Saturday, proving that the Anfield connection is red hot at the moment. England fans will not need to be reminded that the finest night English football has seen for some time - that sensational 5-1 win over Germany - was inspired by the Liverpool lads, with Owen, Heskey and Gerrard the men on target.

Now Gerard Houllier believes that Danny Murphy, could be ready to cement his own place in the England team. "Danny is in a period of intense, rapid, progress," he said.

"His attitude and his commitment, dedication and energy is always focused on his game.

"Taking into account he has great talent, I'm not surprised that Danny can score goals like that," he said of Danny's curled effort against Spurs.

Danny, a composed and intelligent character both on and off the pitch said: "We are pleased to be at the top of the league but you won't see any of us getting carried away.

"Last season we were six or seven points clear but threw it away with a bad spell over Christmas. We have to make sure we don't do that again."

The Reds midfield man added: "I am pleased with my goal. The lads are always on at me in training to shoot more and when the chance came I just aimed for the corner.

"Michael is our main goalscorer but it's important others chip in as well, and I'm just happy to be on the scoresheet."

Meanwhile, former England boss Glenn Hoddle was full of praise for Michael Owen after he had seen the star striker dismantle his side in the closing seconds.

Hoddle gave Michael his England debut and felt the striker was instrumental in sendind Liverpool to the top of the pile.

He said: "Michael Owen, in fact, was the difference between the sides. We worked hard to keep him quiet, but he got beyond our back line only a couple of times and from one he got the penalty that beat us...The lad is so quick."