Owen gets coach's backing

Wales coach Scott Johnson launched an impassioned defence of his captain Michael Owen ahead of Saturday’s Six Nations Championship clash with Italy at the Millennium Stadium.

Owen has been criticised for failing to match the talismanic performances he turned in during last season’s Grand Slam campaign and stands accused of being “anonymous” and “abysmal” in Wales’ defeats to England and Ireland.

Former Welsh loose-forward Mervyn Davies believes Owen needs a break and should have been dropped from the side to face the Azzurri this weekend.

But Johnson kept faith with Owen, who assumed the captaincy after Gareth Thomas was ruled out with a damaged artery in his neck, and backed his qualities to the hilt.

“Michael Owen led a team to the Grand Slam last year and got all the adulation he deserved. The kid is a quality rugby player. He has skills you can’t coach and he adds to our game,” said Johnson.

“There are only a few people Michael needs to get approval from, the selection panel but, more importantly, his team-mates.”