Fowler reminder for Eriksson
Robbie Fowler might be too modest to proclaim his World Cup credentials, but the twogoal performance that floored Blackburn at Elland Road yesterday was eloquent enough.
While England striker Fowler will take nothing for granted despite his outstanding record at Leeds,Tord Grip is sure to lodge another positive report in boss Sven Goran Eriksson's bulging dossier on the £11million goal poacher.
Two trademark strikes in three first-half minutes, taking his haul for David O'Leary to 11 in 17 matches since being prised from Liverpool in December, broke Blackburn's spirit. Coupled with a smart second-half goal from Harry Kewell after Matt Jansen had struck for Blackburn, Fowler's double kept alive Leeds' bid for the final Champions League berth.
Fowler's opener owed something to Turkish midfielder Tugay, who gave away the ball. It fell for the striker, who then beat defender Hakan Unsal before sliding the ball under Brad Friedel. Three minutes later Ian Harte's pass found Alan Smith, who crossed precisely for Fowler to stab the ball home. Jansen gave Blackburn fresh hope with a cool finish after Jonathan Woodgate, back after six weeks out through injury, blotted his return with a weak backpass.
But the fightback was seen off after 71 minutes when Kewell - who scored twice as Leeds won at Ewood Park in December - rewarded Robbie Keane's superb crossfield pass with a precision finish.
