Alan Shearer has rubbished fresh speculation linking Michael Owen with a move away from Newcastle.
Former striker insists Owen will not be leaving
Alan Shearer has rubbished fresh speculation linking Michael Owen with a move away from Newcastle.
The England striker's future has been the subject of conjecture almost since he arrived at St James' Park, and the latest reports suggest Manchester City are once again tracking him with interest.
However, Shearer insists Owen is settled in the North East and committed to seeing out the rest of his four-year contract.
Happy
"He can't control what's been said, and he can't come out every week," Shearer told the Newcastle Evening Chronicle.
"He's happy and he shouldn't have to do that. I don't understand where the criticism's coming from.
"I don't understand how it's such a crime to first of all get back to playing for Newcastle.
"He came on and scored (against Everton) and did very well.
"He wants to play for England and I don't see the crime in that either."
Injury fear
Owen started for England against Estonia and came through 70 minutes unscathed, but Shearer admits he does fear for the injury-prone forward on the artificial grass of Moscow on Wednesday night.
"I don't understand how at international level you can be asked to play on a plastic pitch," said Shearer.
"If we can come away with a point I think that's a great result.
"Every manager will have a concern, not just Sam (Allardyce), whether the players are playing on a plastic pitch or not.
"They just want the players back and ready for the weekend."
