Scored over thirty league goals in 1994/95, 1995/96 and 1996/97 to cement this reputation.

Suffered a knee injury in the 1997/98 season and was out for many months.

He returned for the 1998/99 season and grabbed eighteen goals, overshadowed by a disgraceful incident with Graeme Le Saux and a simulated cocaine sniff along the goal-line during a derby game with Everton which saw him banned for six matches at the end of the season.

Signed a new Anfield deal during the summer of 1999, having distanced himself from speculation he could be on his way out of Anfield.

Was then appointed vice captain of the side by boss Gerard Houllier, only to miss most of the 1999/2000 season with another series of injury problems.

Returned to form after another injury lay-off during the 200/01 season and he scored and skippered Liverpool when they lifted the Worthington Cup at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff.

Had more trouble at Liverpool following a training ground bust up with Phil Thompson. The striker initially failed to apologise for the spat and was consequently omitted from the Liverpool team.

That prompted rumours of an Anfield departure. Again he remained.

But eventually the lingering rumours over a move to Leeds United proved true. He joined the West Yorkshire side in an £11million deal at the end of November 2001.

On signing he told the clubs official website: 'One thing I shall predict is that I can win the league here at Elland Road this season. Liverpool had a great year last season and are still well placed. But, at Leeds, there is a great team and we feel we can go all the way.

'This side really suits the way I play football and I am sure it will be a huge success.'

Scored 12 goals in 22 starts as Leeds finished in fifth place that season.

Injury has also played its part in Fowler's international career and prevented him from going to the 1998 World Cup in France.

He made his international debut in 1996 against Bulgaria and was named in Kevin Keegan's Euro 2000 squad but did not play in any of England's games.

Made a brief return to international action in Peter Taylor's England team that were beaten 1-0 in Italy. Fowler replaced Kieron Dyer for the final eight minutes of the game.

He was again a substitute in England's 2-1 World Cup qualifying victory over Finland in March. Fowler received rapturous applause as he took to the Anfield pitch.

Continued to be very much part of Sven Goran Eriksson's England plans, and netted against Mexico at Pride Park, and a great goal in a World Cup qualifier against Albania at St James' Park.

Rubber stamped his claims for a place at the 2002 World Cup with a goal against Italy in March of that year on his home ground. Would only make one appearance as a substitute at the finals, however, against Denmark.