Keegan hails the ‘real’ Owen

Newcastle United manager Kevin Keegan hailed Michael Owen after his match-winning display on Sunday.

The 28-year-old England international took his tally for the season to 12 with a fine double against Sunderland at the weekend, as the Magpies finally ended their fears of being dragged into the fight for Barclays Premier League survival.

Keegan is still intent on beating the club’s lowest Premier League points total of 43 – this victory took them to 42. Then he will turn his attention to building for a brighter future, and key in that will be Owen’s retention beyond the confines of his current deal, which runs out at the end of next season.