Source: Daily_Mail
Hughton tipping Owen to haul Newcastle back from the brink
Missed: Newcastle have struggled without Owen Chris Hughton has backed Michael Owen to fire Newcastle to Barclays Premier League safety ahead of his return to first-team action this weekend.
Newcastle have claimed just one win since the £17million striker was sidelined with an ankle ligament injury in January.
The England international striker will return for Saturday's trip to Hull City and caretaker boss Hughton believes Owen can lift Newcastle away from the relegation zone to safety.
'What you want, particularly at a time like now when we know we are going into the last phase of the season, you want as many of your big players around the squad as possible, and Michael is certainly one of those,' said Hughton.
'As our captain, Michael is arguably the biggest of the lot of them. His presence around the squad is always a plus but to actually have him available to play really is a boost for us going into the Hull game.
'For numerous teams between now and the end of the season, their ability to score goals will be crucial to where they end up.
'Michael isn't just one of the best strikers in the Premier League, he is one of the best strikers around anywhere. You have to look at his record.
'These have been tough times for Michael regarding injuries but the one thing that remains consistent is that, when he plays, he scores goals.
'That's testimony to the type of player he is.'
