Fowler likely to get chance

ROBBIE FOWLER, timing his arrival like a late run into the penalty box, may tomorrow get the chance to claim a place in England's Euro 96 line up. The prospect of the Liverpool striker making a much anticipated international debut shortened yesterday when Alan Shearer missed England's training session with a groin injury.

With Les Ferdinand struggling for form, and Teddy Sheringham nursing a calf muscle injury, Fowler could be centre forward against Bulgaria at Wembley. Shearer's injury is one way for manager Terry Venables to try another striker without appearing to drip his favoured forward who is without an international goal for 10 starts and 18 months.

"I would have no worries about playing him," said Venables. "When he came on in the B international against Ireland he looked like an old timer, no nerves, just thinking about scoring goals. He has looked very good in training."

Fowler, 20, is equally upbeat. "I have always been a confident lad and I feel I can score goals for England," he said. "I am still a young lad and I am going to do stupid things, but this season I think I have grown up a lot more. When I was first in the limelight I was in awe, but I am handling it quite well now."

Fowler scored 31 goals for Liverpool last season, but was displaced by Stan Collymore at the start of this. "I was obviously disappointed, I had been top scorer last season and I did not expect it. When I did get in (after Collymore was injured in the second match) I was more determined so it probably made me a better player."

Venables other selection problem concerns David Platt. The team captain has not been available since last summer's Umbro Cup, during which time the likes of Jamie Redknapp and Rob Lee have laid claim to his place while Paul Ince has been recalled.

Along with Shearer and Sheringham, Steve Stone and Rob Jones also missed training. An X-ray on Stone's, foot injury revealed only bruising while Jones has a back problem. I am back on top of my game and will be disappointed if I am not picked, admitted Platt.