Although he’s stopped short of heading down to the bookmakers to slap a first goalscorer bet down on his striker. It may have only been Michael Owen’s tenth league goal of his Newcastle career, but that hasn’t stopped Kevin Keegan waxing lyrical about the England striker, insisting that he is still a world-class talent according to the Daily Telegraph.
“Michael is a big asset for England,” Keegan enthused, pointing out that his 40 international goals came at a rate close to one every second game.
“That’s incredible,” Keegan added. “Even though he hardly had a chance today he still scored. It was a great delivery but it was a half-chance for a little guy like him. That was only his 30th league game since he came here and that’s what people are unfairly ignoring. He’s sharp now. I wouldn’t be surprised if he plays for England and scores.
“This could definitely kick-start his season. You know there are always goals in Michael. The service will get better to Michael but he can make goals out of nothing. I wouldn’t worry about Michael Owen.”
The question is whether the Chester-born player can stay fit for a prolonged spell, with his Magpies career punctuated by injury problems. Many critics also point to his lack of pace, although he’s likely to remain in the England squad for many seasons, if only due to his track record and the lack of striking options available to Fabio Capello.