Owen starts in relegation battle

Newcastle manager Alan Shearer restored Michael Owen to the starting line-up for tonight’s must-win derby clash with Middlesbrough.

The 29-year-old, who was named only among the substitutes for the 3-0 defeat by former club Liverpool, was one of five changes with Geordie defender Steven Taylor, Kevin Nolan, Danny Guthrie and Jonas Gutierrez also getting the nod.