Two-goal Michael Owen produced the kind of performance that would have warmed the heart of England coach Kevin Keegan as Liverpool stepped up their claims to secure a Champions League spot.

Owen had been left out of the Reds' previous match against Newcastle by Gerard Houllier as a precaution following his well-documented hamstring problems.

But he looked back to his best, totally uninhibited and injury-free as he gave Keegan the reassurance he would have wanted that he will be firing on all cylinders by the time of Euro 2000.

Just for good measure there was the bonus for Houllier of Emile Heskey scoring his first goal since his £11million move from Leicester last month.

It spoilt the day for Coventry's 42-year-old goalkeeper Steve Ogrizovic, who made his 600th appearance for the Sky Blues in a spell at the club spanning 16 years.

Liverpool, with no European commitments to concern them, certainly look capable if this display is anything to go by of overhauling Leeds and securing second spot in the Premiership.

And in terms of the long-term picture they gave further evidence that Houllier is assembling a side that can eventually bring the glory days of the 1980s back to Anfield.

The pace and sharpness of Owen and the power of Heskey up front speaks for itself, but behind them Liverpool have so many options that they can call upon.

David Thompson, one of four Liverpool players who had been on England Under-21 duty in midweek, caused all sorts of problems on the right side of midfield.

Steven Gerrard gave another demonstration in the centre of the park as to why he looks a certainty to go to Euro 2000 with his energy, work-rate and passing ability.

And at the back Liverpool now have a solidity that has in recent years been lacking and proved to be their Achilles heel.

Coventry showed plenty of effort and commitment but after the first 15 minutes they were often second best.

Ogrizovic would have been disappointed with the outcome but he had no chance with any of the goals and produced several fine saves to keep the scoreline within reasonable bounds.

He could take pride from his performance, which could not be said about the showing of some of the other Coventry players.

The Sky Blues have now lost six of their last eight matches and even the return of Robbie Keane, brought on after half an hour for Noel Whelan, failed to ignite them into life.

Coventry made a bright start and Cedric Roussel squandered a good chance to put them ahead in the eighth minute.

Steve Froggatt's inswinging free-kick picked out the Belgium Under-21 international at the near post but he sent his header wide when he should have at least tested keeper Sander Westerveld.

But that was as near as the Sky Blues came and after a promising opening 15 minutes they faded as Houllier's side slowly but surely turned the screw.

In an instant they stepped up a gear and Ogrizovic did well to beat away a low shot with plenty of power from Owen after he had been found in space by Gerrard.

A swerving free-kick from Thompson then thudded off the chest of Ogrizovic, who was relieved to see the ball bounce away to safety.

But it was only a matter of time before Liverpool went ahead and the opening goal duly arrived via Owen in the 23rd minute.

Dominic Matteo played the ball into the path of the England striker, who turned past the challenges of Richard Shaw and Colin Hendry before driving a low shot past Ogrizovic into the corner of the net.

Coventry were now having to defend desperately and they were also forced to make a change in attack with the injured Whelan making way for the fit-again Keane.

But seven minutes before the interval the Reds doubled their lead after another decisive move which left the home side chasing shadows.

Heskey and Gerrard were involved in the build-up before the England Under-21 midfielder slipped the ball into the path of the overlapping Matteo.

He was able to whip over a low cross from near the byline and Owen did the rest as he had time to set his sights before drilling the ball wide of the exposed Ogrizovic.

After the break Ogrizovic brought off fine saves from Thompson and Heskey (twice) and then denied Owen a hat-trick after he had been put clear.

But the keeper had no chance 12 minutes from time when Patrik Berger floated over an inswinging free-kick and Heskey was virtually unchallenged as he headed home at the far post.

Teams:

Coventry: Ogrizovic, Telfer, Shaw, Hendry, Froggatt, Chippo, Eustace (Quinn 67), McAllister, Hadji, Whelan (Keane 33),Roussel.

Subs Not Used: Kirkland, Burrows, Breen.

Booked: Whelan.

Liverpool: Westerveld, Carragher, Henchoz (Song 84), Hyypia, Matteo, Gerrard (Murphy 70), Hamann, Thompson, Berger, Owen (Camara 80), Heskey.

Subs Not Used: Friedel, Meijer.

Booked: Hamann.

Goals: Owen 23, 38, Heskey 78.

Att: 23,098

Ref: M Reed (Birmingham).