Shearer On Owen

[jayp]

Shearer: Owen happy at Newcastle
tribalfooball.com - October 15, 2007

Newcastle legend Alan Shearer has insisted England striker Michael Owen is happy on Tyneside.

The 27-year-old has once again found himself at the centre of speculation he could leave St James' Park next summer for as little as £6million - Manchester City have once again been linked with him - amid rumours of a bust-up with club boss Sam Allardyce over his fitness.

And Shearer, who played a key role in persuading the former Liverpool and Real Madrid frontman to make his £17million move to St James', has no doubts about his commitment to the black and white shirt.

He said: "He is very happy here. He loves the area - his family is here and his kids are at school.

"He cannot control what has been said, and he cannot come out every week. He's happy, and he should not have to do that.

"He's frustrated, but he's a tough lad. He will handle it, and he will score goals.

"I don't understand where the criticism's coming from. I don't understand how it's such a crime to first of all get back to playing for Newcastle. He came on and scored and did very well.

"He wants to play for England and I don't see the crime in that either."