Hype and headlines have always followed Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler. Now he wants to be the talk of the A-League.

Rejecting suggestions he had come to Australia for a “getaway” to escape the spotlight in England, the North Queensland Fury recruit said he wanted to put in the type of performances that will make him the centre of attention.

“If you play football and if you’re successful you’re going to get headlines and people talking about you,” Fowler said at the season launch in Sydney on Monday.

“I’m hoping for a lot more press because I want to be successful and I want to score a lot of goals.

“If I’m getting more attention it means I’m doing a good job.”

Fowler became the A-League’s biggest recruit by agreeing to join the Fury after a stunning career in England which included stints with Liverpool, Manchester City and Blackburn.

The England international, and fourth-highest all-time scorer in the English Premier League, admitted he wasn’t sure exactly what to expect when his A-League career kicks off in the Fury’s season opener against Sydney FC on Saturday.

The 34-year-old admitted his pre-season hadn’t been ideal, making only three appearances for the Fury after battling a niggling groin injury.

But he said he was approaching full fitness and was confident his body was ready to handle the rigours of the expanded A-League season.

“I’ve not played as many games as what I would have liked to in the pre-season which is not great for me,” Fowler said.

“But I feel great at the minute and when the season starts I’ll be feeling as good as a have for a long time.”

Fowler was confident he could snare a significant goal haul in his debut season, but was not prepared to put a number on it.

“I have never have done that to be fair,” Fowler said.

“If you set yourself targets and you don’t reach them, you’ve failed.

“I obviously want to do as well as I can and I want to try and score as many goals as I can.

“As long as the team does well … we’re one of the favourites to finish bottom so it’s up to us as players to try and prove these people wrong.”

Fury coach Ian Ferguson said he had been impressed by Fowler’s contribution in pre-season but warned North Queensland were not a one-man team.

Fowler has settled into Townsville well, but hasn’t had much time on his hands for recreational activities.

“I’ve got four kids, I haven’t got time for anything,” Fowler smiled.

“Just looking after the kids is hard work, that’s all I’ve done.”

© AAP 2012

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