He faces a fight for first-team football with European Player of the Year Michael Owen, England international Emile Heskey and former Ajax and Barcelona star Jari Litmanen also vying for a striker’s berth.

But Anelka revealed he also faces a battle with a player who has now left Liverpool for a place in the supporters’ hearts.

‘‘I was a little bit apprehensive about the reaction of the fans when I went on to the pitch,’’ said Anelka, who has joined Liverpool on loan until the end of the season from Paris St Germain with an option to make the move permanent.

‘‘As I was wearing the number nine shirt of Robbie Fowler, I asked myself how they would welcome me.

‘‘It went very well. I was really happy that the fans were chanting my name.’’

The 22-year-old former Arsenal and Real Madrid star hopes the move to Liverpool will revive his chances of making the France World Cup squad.