There have been a few murmurs about Steven Gerrard's form over the last few days, from both inside and outside Liverpool.

However, one significant voice in both the England and Liverpool camps has today thrown his unwavering support behind his friend and team-mate.

For such a young man, Michael Owen is a voice of experience when it comes to the highs and lows of press scrutiny and the unpredictable nature o form.

He has no doubts whatsoever about Steven Gerrard's ability or the fact that he will soon be back to his best.

Michael said: `I've told him he will do something in one of the next games, like a great pass or have a brilliant shot, and everything will come back to him.

`He will go on from there and everyone will forget about what's happening now.'

Owen himself bounced back this season to end a goal drought with a streak of 11 in just 10 games and he believes Gerrard needs to deal with his current blip in his own way.

`When your not playing to the best of your ability you always feel a bit down and I'm sure Stevie feels that way at the moment," Michael reflected.

`People deal with this kind of situation in different ways. I prefer to just keep myself to myself when everyone else is doing the talking because I know from experience when things aren't going well you think of nothing else but your form all night and day.

`You get sick of it. Even when someone comes up to you and says 'don't worry keep your head up' it doesn't always help because that just makes you think about things even more.

`You respect the advice of those closest to you and those who've played the game themselves and understand the situation.

`I don't think anyone will be daft enough to write off Steven Gerrard. People are a bit cuter than that and although I think it's fair to say Stevie isn't at his best at the moment it's just a matter of time before he is.'

Owen, in an interview in the Liverpool Echo, said:

`I'm sure if you asked him Stevie would say he'd much prefer to be a great player taking a bit of stick than an average player who no-one ever notices or comments on.

`The reason he's getting so much attention is because he's so good and his standards are so high he is such a good player that if he doesn't have a good game people notice it more than they would someone who isn't as good as he is.

`It seems to me that if you're a player of his ability in this country when you're not playing well it will be highlighted more. That appears to be the way.'