Is Owen The 'Creative Midfielder' Keegan Is Looking For?

Last updated : 31 March 2008 By Footy Mad - Editor

The Newcastle boss has paid tribute to Michael Owen, saying he intends to continue using him in a deeper role in midfield.

Kegan: "It is his position at Newcastle for the time being.

"I said, 'this is the position you have to play in this football club because that is where you are most use for us' - and he said 'that's fine'.

"He never came up to me and said 'I'm a forward'. I think he's enjoyed it."

"I think when the big games come Michael Owen will play.

"Fabio Capello needs asking why he hasn't played Michael because only he knows the answer.

"We're definitely not safe yet but we can look up not down.

"We could catch Spurs up and we could catch up West Ham. People would have said that was ridiculous a few weeks ago.

"We have three home games and three away left and playing like this, I think the players will look forward to playing anybody.

"This is the right way to play with the players and fixtures we've got.

"You look at our defensive record and to try to defend puts pressure on your defenders. They know that maybe they can concede a goal and have enough to win.

"It could have been seven or eight - (Paul) Robinson has made terrific saves, we've hit the bar and Michael Owen's missed a chance he would normally score."