Former Liverpool striker Fowler admits Blackburn switch is a gamble

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Fowler, who played in the Championship with Cardiff last season, steps into Paul Ince’s squad after finally signing a three-month, pay-as-you-play deal that does not include a goal bonus.

The former Leeds and England striker settled for a deal that pays less than the £15,000 a week he earned in Wales.

Veteran striker Robbie Fowler has completed a three-month performance related deal with Blackburn Rovers

He is determined to shoot down any suspicion of an old pals’ act with his former Anfield team-mate Ince but fears that hip surgery last season might have affected his potency.

Fowler said: ‘I’ve had a difficult time with injuries but I know what I can do.

'It’s pay as you play so if I score loads of goals, perhaps I’ll be classed as a bargain.

'There’s no goal bonus,unfortunately. I wish there was.

‘If I do well and score goals, great. If I don’t, then what has anyone lost?

'But I’ll only be a bargain if I’m playing and scoring. I didn’t have much of an option.

'It’s not ideal but it’s a gamble I’m prepared to take. If I’m honest, I thought I’d played my last Premier game.

'Two years ago I was scoring goals and playing for Liverpool. I’ve not deteriorated that badly.

'I’m in the Premier now. I want to stay here. You don’t lose that hunger for goals.’

Fowler scored the fastest Premier League hat-trick for Liverpool against Arsenal — 4min 33sec in 1994 — but insisted: ‘I’m not one for records.

'And I’ve not even looked to see when we’re at Anfield (it’s April 11, Robbie).

‘I’ve always said I’ll pack in when the time’s right.

'But I’ve a few years to catch up on Dean Windass.

'I don’t think I’ll be that old.'

Ince, looking for his first Premier League win as a manager against a ‘big four’ opponent, refused to be distracted from plotting Arsenal’s downfall and shrugged off his presence on the Newcastle shortlist to succeed Kevin Keegan.