Newcastle goalkeeping stalwart, Shay Given, has spoken out about the importance of Michael Owen to the future of the Toon. Owen has a remarkable goalscoring record wherever he has played and with a goal to games ratio of 1 in 2, his time at St James's Park has been no different. However, it has often been suggested that a talent such as Michael Owen, England's finest current goalscorer, is being wasted at Newcastle and should be playing at a club with European aspirations.

Michael Owen continues his comeback in tonight's Carling Cup tie at Coventry having come off the bench to score the winner against Bolton on Saturday. And tomorrow, Toon chief Kevin Keegan is hoping the drawn-out saga over Owen's new contract will be thrashed out when he meets owner Mike Ashley and executive director Dennis Wise.

Keeper Shay Given believes that the England striker gives Newcastle an aura they wouldn't have without him. "He is a world-renowned goalscorer who has a presence about him," said the Irishman.

"Michael is special and the most world renowned player we have at the club. When he leads out the team, it sends out a message. It tells opponents that we have some real quality in our side." (DAILY STAR)

Michael Owen's scoring record speaks for itself, so why have none of the more successful clubs come in for him? Is he wasted at Newcastle or is he revelling in helping the Toon become a Premier League force once more? Is Owen still England's first choice striker?