Owen sure of improvement

MICHAEL OWEN is confident his partnership with Alan Shearer will reap rewards as Newcastle battle to turn their season around.

The £17 million man debuted for the Magpies in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Fulham at St James’ Park, but endured a rollercoaster of emotions as Newcastle misfired before Charles N’Zogbia snatched a precious point.

Owen had little opportunity to prove his quality on his return to the Premiership at the end of a disappointing week, but has few doubts his partnership with Shearer and the club’s fortunes in general will improve in the weeks ahead.