Newcastle striker Michael Owen
has questioned Alan Shearer's decision to leave him out against
Liverpool last week.
Owen, who was restored to the starting line-up for Monday's win
over Middlesbrough, was left out by his old team-mate for the trip
to former club Liverpool last weekend as Newcastle slumped to a 3-0
defeat at Anfield.
Shearer substituted Owen 20 minutes from time against
Middlesbrough with his replacement Obafemi Martins going to score
the crucial second goal within a minute of entering the pitch.
Owen, speaking in the matchday programme notes, admits he was
upset to be left out and feels Shearer was wrong to omit him from
the starting line-up.
Owen wrote: "On a personal basis, I am glad the last fortnight
is over.
"I was angry with myself for missing that chance against
Portsmouth and then disappointed to be left out of the starting
line-up against my former club.
"I have known our manager ever since I started in
the game and consider him to be a friend but there was no old pals'
act as far as his decision-making was concerned.
"Though I was upset and felt that he was wrong - only last week
the press pointed out that, even though I had only scored eight
league goals this season, my conversion ratio was the best in the
Premier League - what I can't fault is the way he handled the
situation: strong, up front and honest. Just the way a top manager
should be.
"I also appreciate that rotation is part of today's game and any
number of top players were left out of the Champions League
semi-finals for tactical or other reasons."
Owen, who is out of contract at St James' Park in the summer,
insists the whole squad is focused on getting Newcastle out of
trouble in the fight to avoid relegation.
"I wish you were able to see how professional and focused we all
are," added Owen. "The management team have made certain that we
are in the right frame of mind and each of us knows the job we have
to do as individuals and as part of the team."