The boy Owen gets a hat-trick

Earlier this week Michael Owen insisted he had the skill and the temperament to become England's youngest senior international player this century. Who are we to argue? At the age of 17, Owen is both a household name and a most accomplished striker. The fascinating thing is: he is not yet the finished article.

Even so, the rough diamond accounted for the Second Division's Grimsby Town last night as Liverpool strode effortlessly forward into the last eight of the League Cup.

Grimsby had accounted for Sheffield Wednesday and the competition's holders, Leicester City, in previous rounds, but Liverpool and Owen proved a different kettle of fish.

Although Robbie Fowler was absent because of suspension, Liverpool's manager, Roy Evans, surprised many, and presumably disappointed the Mariners, by sending out his strongest available side.

But, the minnows, an applicable label in the circumstances, proved a reasonably diligent team, one that boasted a rather nice sense of organisation.

Traditionally, Liverpool are never at ease against the underclasses, and there was an uncomfortable edge to much of their football in an opening half that, predictably, Grimsby dominated simply by virtue of a more pronounced appetite for hard work.

In truth, Liverpool did not seem too interested, threatening only when the ball lay at the feet of Michael Owen. Having done so well, Grimsby were to fall victim to Owen's predatory instinct in the 27th minute, as the youngster turned in smartly from no great distance after the goalkeeper, Aidan Davison, had stopped, but not held, Jamie Redknapp's crisp drive from outside the penalty area.

Grimsby were out of the running a minute from half-time when Owen won a second goal. He took a Karlheinz Riedle pass and darted into the box, leaving Peter Handyside only able to bring him down. Owen got to his feet and cracked the penalty past Davison.

Twelve minutes after the break Owen grabbed his third. Steve McManaman, who had produced a wasteful, patchy display, embarked on a mazy run down the left and laid the ball back for Owen.

The youngster brilliantly sent an 18-yard chip soaring into the top corner for a breathtaking strike.

Liverpool: James, Jones, Kvarme, McManaman, Leonhardsen, Redknapp (Berger 66), Riedle, Ince, Owen, Bjornebye, Matteo. Subs Not Used: McAteer, Harkness. Booked: Bjornebye, Leonhardsen. Goals: Owen 28, 45 pen, 57.

Grimsby: Davison, McDermott, Gallimore, Handyside, Lever, Widdrington, Donovan, Black (Southall 70), Nogan, Lester (Livingstone 70), Groves (Jobling 85). Booked: Lester.

Referee: R Pearson (Peterlee).