Newcastle United Football Club

• Nickname:Magpies
• Founded:1881
• Manager:Alan Pardew

• Ground:St James' Park
• Capacity:52193

Keegan hails injury-free Owen

21 Apr 2008 - 08:04:42

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Newcastle United boss Kevin Keegan believes the club's fans are finally seeing the best of Michael Owen after the former Liverpool and Real Madrid forward netted both goals in Sunday's 2-0 derby win against Sunderland.

Since the beginning of February, Owen has found the net eight times in 11 matches, an impressive run of form that has coincided with the 28-year-old finally shrugging off his injury problems.

A delighted Keegan said after the Tyne-Wear derby success: "I think he'll stay because Michael likes it here and we want him here, so there's two good reasons, and I can't think of any better ones.

"He's the most important signing, I think, and then we can look at bringing three or four players in to change this around.

"We've got a good squad here, a quality squad, but we are small. But Michael's a key player, he's a leader. He leads by example, which is the best way to lead.

"He's 28 years of age, he scored another two goals today. It's the first time he's had a run here, it's the first time the fans have seen the real Michael Owen, and they like him.

"He never had a chance before with his injuries."