A magnificent performance by Michael Owen in front of England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson failed to improve Liverpool's bid to qualify for the Champions League.

Their cup heroics at home and abroad were put aside for the day as they embarked on what manager Gerard Houllier considered their main objective this season.

But a combination of Derby's brave battling and a Liverpool first half performance that was pedestrian at best, means that only a point could be salvaged and that leaves Liverpool sixth with matches in hand.

Derby had led from the 10th minute through Deon Burton with a brave display. But by the end they were under siege as Liverpool's frantic efforts failed to find the winner.

Owen was superb. He had half a dozen chances, including headers and shots that whistled inches wide.

He did get the crucial equaliser, but despite an all-action display, the striker could not produce the miracle Liverpool needed.

The efforts of their UEFA Cup triumph on Thursday saw Liverpool bring in Emile Heskey, Jari Litmanen, Gary McAllister and Igor Biscan while resting Vladimir Smicer, Robbie Fowler, Danny Murphy and Steven Gerrard to the bench.

Derby, unbeaten in four, had Burton in for the injured Branko Strupar.

The snap and bite were not there for Liverpool and in the first half all they could managed were long-range efforts from Litmanen, Biscan and Jamie Carragher - all from 25 yards-plus.

Derby bristled with intent, and look sharper and more alert. Their lead after 10 minutes was fully merited. Seth Johnson's corner was flicked on by Chris Riggott for Burton to stab over Sander Westerveld from six yards using a combination of his shin and knee.

It continued to look a strain for Liverpool. They were subjected to more tackling in the first half alone than Porto managed in two matches.

Owen, once again playing out on the left, was continually too far away from Heskey to provide support while Litmanen, who plays in a floating, attacking midfield role, found Johnson snarling and snapping at his every move.

Derby needed little invitation to hit on the break, while Heskey had few chances against the impressive young Riggott and experienced Taribo West, but he should have done better with a clear 10-yard header from Markus Babbel's cross. It lacked power and Andy Oakes saved with ease.

Liverpool's frustration was summed up by Dietmar Hamann's 40th-minute booking for tripping Christie. The Derby man had robbed the German in midfield and raced away, only for Hamann to track him and then unceremoniously end the move on the touchline.

Liverpool needed to strike back early to gain a foothold and the breakthrough came six minutes into the second half.

It was all about Litmanen's close skills and Owen's desire, the striker now playing much more of a central role.

Owen fed Litmanen on the right and the Finnish star found space where there appeared to be none to cross into the six-yard box. Owen was in like a flash for a near post shot that Oakes palmed away but he could do nothing to stop Owen stabbing in the rebound.

The out-of-touch Biscan was withdrawn from the fray three minutes later to allow Gerrard into battle.

Derby, having been so purposeful before the break resorted to static, deep defence which invited Liverpool to take the initiative.

They did that with relish and Owen was by now a nightmare to contain. He had four useful headers that went close, one inches past the far post, and his movement and pace were excellent.

One brilliant piece of close control while ghosting past three men in the box before shooting wide was vintage Owen.

Derby did manage one good break when Burton forced Westerveld into a double save with a fierce drive.

But it was all going on at the other end, and Robbie Fowler was next into the action to replace McAllister with 12 minutes left.

But it all became just frantic and desperate as Liverpool threw everything forward. Babbel was up front along with four recognised strikers in the final minutes.

But the winner would not come and Derby escaped with a point that makes their Premiership survival almost assured.

Teams

Liverpool: Westerveld, Babbel, Henchoz, Hyypia, Carragher, McAllister (Fowler 79), Hamann, Biscan (Gerrard 55), Litmanen (Smicer 66), Heskey, Owen.

Subs Not Used: Murphy, Arphexad.

Booked: Hamann, Babbel.

Goals: Owen 52.

Derby: Oakes, Riggott, Carbonari, West, Powell, Burley, Johnson, Higginbotham (Eranio 86), Delap, Burton, Christie (Gudjonsson 81).

Subs Not Used: Kinkladze, Mawene, Grant.

Booked: Powell, Johnson.

Goals: Burton 9.

Att: 43,362

Ref: N Barry (Scunthorpe).