BBC SPORT: Gerrard would relish Owen link-up

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Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard would be delighted to link up again with Michael Owen - if the Real Madrid star makes a swift return to England.

Ex-Reds striker Owen, 25, has insisted he is happy at the Bernabeu, despite rumours linking him with a quick exit.

'Michael is a fantastic player to play with, although I am not sure what decisions he will make in his career,' Gerrard, 24, told BBC Radio Five Live.

'I love playing with Michael - he is a fantastic footballer.'

Owen left Liverpool to join Real in August 2004.

And the England striker has netted 11 goals in all competitions for the club this season, despite starting only eight games.

But his impressive ratio has not stopped coach coach Wanderley Luxemburgo using Raul and Ronaldo as his first-choice strikers.

'He is not getting many minutes on the field, which is unfortunate because he deserves to play more,' added Gerrard.

'His goals-to-games ratio is fantastic. I think the new manager will be playing him more.'

The Liverpool midfielder, who has been linked with Real Madrid and Chelsea, also revealed his admiration for David Beckham - the man who some have tipped Gerrard to replace as England captain.

He said: 'I have got a lot of respect for David Beckham as a person and player.

'Every player goes through dips in form - you can't always play at your highest level - I've had dips in form myself.' "