Hoddle is wary of back-to-form Owen

Glenn Hoddle says Tottenham must cope with the striker he regards as the natural successor to Alan Shearer when his injury-hit side travel to Liverpool on Sunday.

Michael Owen, who played in Liverpool's 1-0 UEFA Cup semi-final victory over Barcelona last night, won his first cap for England under Hoddle during the 1998 World Cup.

Now Hoddle claims Owen is approaching his best form and believes Sven-Goran Eriksson should give Owen a run in the England side.

"Michael is the natural man to step into Alan's shoes," said Hoddle. "Michael has always had maturity, even in his tender years, but the injuries came at a time when there was massive expectations on his shoulders. However, he is young enough to take on that mantle over the next two or three seasons.

"I can see there are signs he is coming back to his best again. The squad rotation policy at Liverpool might have worked for him because of the injuries. It means he has been able to come back carefully."

Although Hoddle has been hit by major injury worries yet again for the clash at Anfield, Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy has agreed to let Gary Doherty and Steve Carr play for Spurs before joining the Irish squad for Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against Andorra.

Hoddle has 13 first team regulars missing and Ledley King may be out for the rest of the season after fears that he has fractured his cheekbone.

Liverpool have a doubt over Steven Gerrard, but will be lifted by last night's win.

Manager Gerard Houllier, whose side will play Alaves in the final in Dortmund on 16 May, said after the match: "This means so much to the club, the fans and the team. It is hard to pick our players to praise. It was such a great team performance."

Meanwhile, Spurs have missed out on the chance to qualify for Europe via the Inter Toto Cup.

Under previous manager George Graham, the club opted not to enter their name for possible inclusion in the tournament as a route into Europe.

Hoddle recognises that their chances of qualifying for Europe by finishing in the top six have vanished, but the deadline for entry into the Inter Toto has passed and Spurs will not be allowed to make a late entry.