Newcastle United boss Alan Shearer backs Michael Owen
Newcastle boss Alan Shearer has served warning that Michael Owen will make up for lost time once he ends his goal drought.
The 29-year-old striker heads into tomorrow's crucial Barclays Premier League clash with Fulham - the side he made his Magpies debut against alongside Shearer in September 2005 - having not scored since January 10.
That amounts to a run of 11 appearances, two of them as a substitute, since a 2-2 draw with West Ham more than four months ago, which has sparked concerns over his form.
Indeed, there were claims today that the former Liverpool and Real Madrid frontman, who has lost his place in Fabio Capello's England squad despite have 40 international goals to his name, is considering retirement, although they were vigorously denied by his representatives.
Shearer was quick to pour scorn on the suggestions and remains convinced that Owen, whose contract expires at the end of the season, meaning tomorrow's game could be his last in a black and white shirt at St James' Park, needs just one goal to re-ignite his season.
He said: "I understand why the question has been asked about Michael because needs a goal, just like every centre-forward needs goals.
"But once he gets one, then I am sure the rest will follow. We have got to keep on creating chances and if we do that, I have no doubt about that."
Shearer went through barren patches during his own illustrious playing career, which brought him a record 206 goals for his home-town club, and has no doubts as to the best answer to the critics.
