Shearer backs Owen to save Magpies

ALAN SHEARER’S first act as Newcastle manager was to name striker Michael Owen in the starting line-up and tell him he can score the goals to keep the club in the Barclays Premier League.

The Magpies’ record goalscorer officially took over yesterday for the final eight matches of the season after accepting an SOS call at the weekend from owner Mike Ashley.

Newcastle are third-bottom of the league, two points from safety having won once in 12 games, and in real danger of dropping out of the top flight.