UEFA Cup run has put Liverpool back on the map

Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler believes reaching the UEFA Cup final has finally put the club back on the footballing map.

"It's been a long time since Liverpool got to a final in Europe and it will be nice to win a trophy to prove to people, in England and in Europe that Liverpool are a force to be reckoned with again," said Fowler.

"Our run in Europe this season has put Liverpool back on the world map," he added Fowler.

The English premier league side, a dominant force in Europe during the late 1970s and early 80s, face Spanish team Alaves on Wednesday in their first major final for 16 years.

Liverpool lost 1-0 to Juventus in the 1985 European Cup final, just 12 months after beating Roma on penalties to lift the trophy for the fourth time in eight years.

Fowler, 26, believes victory over the surprise Spanish finalists, which would complete a unique cup treble after Liverpool's League Cup and FA Cup successes already this season, could signal the start of a new era for the current squad.

The England striker, who has been the subject of intense transfer speculation after being left out of the starting line-up for Liverpool's last six games, is almost certain to partner Michael Owen in attack against the Spaniards.

Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier, who still has one eye firmly on next Saturday's premier league match at Charlton Athletic, where victory will cement a place in the Champions League, is likely to rest 23-goal Emile Heskey in Dortmund.

Fowler has already prepared himself to face Alaves with some help from former Liverpool team mate Steve McManaman, who now plays in Spain for Real Madrid.

Fowler explained: "I watch a bit of Spanish football and know a bit about Alaves. I've spoken to Steve and he told me Alaves are a bit like an English team in that their team spirit is excellent.

"They don't have many world class players but they really work hard for each other. They have Dan Eggem at the back, who has played against us before and scored the winner at Anfield for Brondby, which knocked us out of the UEFA Cup in 1995.

"They also have Jordi Cruyff, who people in Liverpool will remember from his time at Manchester United.

"But the player that has really impressed me is striker Javi Moreno, who is having a fantastic season and scoring goals from every angle.

"Alaves were only promoted a few seasons ago, so what they've done to reach a final is a fantastic achievement.

"It's something they might not have dreamed off until recently. But I'm sure they won't be going to Germany to enjoy the occasion -- they will want to win."