Liverpool striker Fernando Morientes is hoping Michael Owen returns to Anfield after suffering a familiar frustrating spell at Real Madrid.


Morientes, 29, impressed in the Champions League while on loan with Monaco two seasons ago but could not hold down a first-team place at the Bernabeu and moved away from Spain earlier this year.


Owen has been linked with a return to Liverpool after leaving Anfield last season but finding himself fifth-choice striker at Real - and Morientes would welcome the 25-year-old's return.


'It's very difficult for any player when you find yourself on the bench,' Morientes told The Sun. 'Owen knows his situation at Real and what he has to do.


'I imagine he feels the same as I do. That he really wants to play. And when you are not in the team then you have to pack your bags and go to another club.


'If a player is going to sign for us, who would be better than Owen - and we're all waiting to see if he does come.


'I hope Liverpool get him and if he does sign again for us I will be the first one to be happy because he is a great player that would definitely benefit the club.


'Owen knows everything about Liverpool because he was a great player for the club before he left.'


Morientes added: 'I know from personal experience what a good player he is because we played a few games alongside each other for Real Madrid. It worked well and we both scored in the games we played together.'