Fowler: I'm sorry boss

Robbie Fowler today apologised to Liverpool number two Phil Thompson over their training ground bust-up.

The England striker is now back in the squad for Tuesday's Champions League second leg against Finnish side Haka at Anfield, as well as Friday's European Super Cup final against Bayern Munich in Monte Carlo.

Fowler made his peace with Thompson before training today, and has now been told by manager Gerard Houllier that the incident is closed.

Fowler was banished from the Charity Shield victory at Cardiff last week against Manchester United, and again left out of the squad for yesterday's 2-1 home win over West Ham, watching the game from the main stand with friends before leaving a few minutes before the final whistle.

After that game Houllier issued a passionate plea for Fowler to shake hands with Thompson over the incident.

Houllier's assistant had, it is believed, apologised to Fowler earlier in the week for his part in the bizarre rumpus that has clouded the start to Liverpool's season.

But, claimed Houllier, we had 'opened our arms five times'- referring to the number of opportunities the manager claims Fowler had been given to apologise - in an attempt to patch up the squabble. Fowler had persistently declined.

Houllier had viewed the incident as an employee insulting a member of management, and had refused to soften his tough line on the situation, insisting that Fowler must apologise himself before he would be allowed to play again for the first team.

But now the club's vice-captain has met those terms, and Houllier said: 'Robbie spoke to Phil Thompson before training this morning and said he was sorry for what had happened.

'Both of them regret the incident took place, and as far as I am concerned it is finished now.

'Robbie has obviously thought long and hard about the situation and has come to completely the right decision.'

Houllier had questioned Fowler's commitment to the club and suggested that he 'was acting as if he wants away.'

The original incident occurred on the Friday before the Charity Shield, and started speculation that Fowler was on his way out of Anfield.

Houllier added: 'Robbie has put the good of the club and the team first, and I am very pleased it has been resolved.

'Robbie knows exactly how I feel about him both as a player and as a person, and that hasn't changed. We have a very busy period coming up and it is good news for his team-mates and the club that he is back and involved in our preparation for these games.'