Newcastle United Football Club News

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• Manager:Alan Pardew

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Owen laughs off quit report

15 May 2009 - 11:31:42

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Newcastle United boss Alan Shearer claims Michael Owen has laughed off the 'ludicrous' suggestion that he could retire at the end of the season.

Owen's representatives have already rubbished one report in a Friday newspaper which claimed the 29-year-old striker was considering hanging up his boots in order to become a racehorse trainer when his contract expires in the summer.

"He doesn't need it, doesn't deserve it," said Shearer.

"The stories that are out this morning are totally ludicrous and totally untrue as far as he's concerned and he has laughed them off.

"But Michael Owen is a big-name player and sometimes will attract headlines.

"I am 100 per cent certain he will have a future in the Premier League."

Meanwhile, Shearer has backed Owen to rediscover his goalscoring touch in the final two games of the season.

Owen has not scored since the 2-2 draw with West Ham United on January 10, but Shearer is unconcerned by his lengthy barren spell.

Ahead of Saturday's visit of Fulham, he added: "He always has the chance to have the last laugh.

"My mind will never change with Michael Owen - if you give him chances, eventually he will score goals.

"I have no doubt about that."