MICHAEL Owen was always too quick for his own good – reckons QPR’s boss.

The injury-plagued former England and Liverpool star has announced intentions to quit at the end of the season after 17 years as a top-flight player.

Owen could come off the bench for Stoke City, as he did last week against Manchester United to bang another nail into Rs coffin – but Redknapp (pic) reckons the game will be a sorrier place without the 33-year-old.

The Hoops manager said: “I think like a lot of quick players he’s had hamstring injuries, and he would have played and scored more than he has without them – but he’s been a top player.”

Redknapp is just as worried one of Rangers own could also send them a step closer to the Championship If Peter Crouch gets a few more than six minutes as the Ealing-born-and-bred striker did last week.

The manager added: “Crouchy’s a QPR fan – and he’s always a problem to you. I know because I managed him at Southmpton, Tottenham and Portsmouth when he did it to others.”

But Redknapp is ready for Crouch and the aerial bombardment that is Stoke’s hallmark.

He said: “You’ve got to know what they’re going to throw at you because they’re a big strong team.”

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