Shearer backs Owen to make late impact for Newcastle
The 27-year-old returned to action after 10 months out injured in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Tuesday and scored in a 4-1 victory over Gretna.
Manager Glenn Roeder has insisted he will not rush back a man whose continuing recovery will be closely monitored by national coach Steve McClaren ahead of the Euro 2008 qualifier in Estonia in June.
And he is unlikely to figure in the squad for tomorrow’s Premiership trip to Portsmouth.
However, his chances of making his target game against Chelsea eight days later and the remaining games of the campaign have been greatly enhanced, and Shearer is desperate to see him back in action.
He said: “Newcastle have missed Michael while he has been injured, but every team in the world would have missed him. Newcastle have missed his quality as a goalscorer and also his ability as a goal-poacher.
“He is the type of striker who turns draws into three points and who can help you nick a draw in matches when you look as though you are going to be beaten.”
Owen, who ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament during England’s World Cup finals clash with Sweden in June, was joined on the comeback trail by fellow striker Shola Ameobi as he stepped up his return from hip surgery.
Roeder has had to cope without both men for much of a season which has also seen the likes of Shay Given, Damien Duff, Titus Bramble and Charles N’Zogbia undergo surgery and several other players ruled out for lengthy periods.
Shearer said: “It has been so frustrating for Glenn Roeder this season because of all the injuries he has had, and it is more frustrating for him that just when the season is about to come to an end, it looks like he is going to have both Michael Owen and Shola Ameobi back from their injuries.
“If they do come back, it will help Newcastle pick up a few more points between now and the end of the season. Glenn is a friend of mine. I want him to do well at St James’ Park and fingers crossed, he will keep things going.”
The support of Shearer, who acted as his assistant following his appointment as caretaker boss last season, will be well received by Roeder, who found his position the subject of fresh speculation yesterday.
A report claimed chairman Freddy Shepherd has drawn up a list of potential successors with the name of former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson at the top of it, a suggestion Shepherd was quick to dismiss.
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