Barnes: "Michael's omission from the squad does not mean his England career his over.
"We are talking about a player with 40 goals for his country, who has played at the very highest level of the game at the World Cup, European Championships, in the Premier League, La Liga and the Champions League - and he has scored goals at all the top levels.
"He is the No 1 goalscorer of any of the current strikers who are under consideration to play for their country.
"We are talking about a big-game player and I am sure there is every chance he will be back leading the line for England again sooner rather than later.
"He will keep on doing what he does best - scoring goals.
"He'll always be on the scoresheet and he has nothing to prove to anybody - his record speaks for itself.
"There is nothing more Michael could have done since he missed out on the squad last time.
"You only have to look at David Beckham to see that you can win your place back in the squad after missing out.
"Michael has already helped to galvanise the players.
"It is tough for everybody in Newcastle, with the club being up for sale.
"Joe Kinnear will try to bring people back together and Michael, as captain, will also play a big part.
"But the players must concentrate on playing football and getting the results which will take them away from the wrong end of the Premier League."