Owen has still not agreed a new contract at St James's Park and is highly unlikely to do so during the present turmoil.
But Kinnear says he isn't too bothered ... because the stand-in boss won't be at the club when Owen's contract runs out.
But Kinnear says he isn't too bothered ... because the stand-in boss won't be at the club when Owen's contract runs out.
Kinnear: "There's no reason why he won't continue to be my captain. He is a very good voice in the dressing room. He has been there and done it and we need more players like that.
"I am not aware of anything to do with his contract. You will have to ask him or anyone else about what his long-term plans are. "I don't know anything about his contract. It is not running out in the next eight games, so it doesn't really bother me."
Owen: "You can see people curling up and shrinking in a way and vice versa when you play well - you see people wanting the ball and making angles.
"It's never been any different.
"I've been in teams that are low on confidence and in teams that are flying high and feeling invincible. Once confidence goes it's hard to get out of that rut.
"We need some confidence."
"It's never been any different.
"I've been in teams that are low on confidence and in teams that are flying high and feeling invincible. Once confidence goes it's hard to get out of that rut.
"We need some confidence."