Owen Wants Parker's Job

Last updated : 18 July 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor

Today we read: "While Shay Given was handed the role last night and has the respect of the rest of the players and is the perfect professional, I am not so sure that Allardyce favours having a keeper as his captain.

"Actually there are not that many candidates, but I believe Allardyce will give serious consideration to Owen and new signing Joey Barton."

When the Chronicle mentioned this to Owen before the game his eyes lit up and he said: "Yes, I would love to skipper Newcastle United."

Owen: "The last time I scored for Newcastle was the day after my birthday and I am happy to be back on the scoresheet again, even though it was obviously only a friendly.

"I have not really had the summer off because even when I had a little holiday, I was in the gym most days. As a result I am fitter than I have ever been for a pre-season.

"I could have scored after only a few seconds, and then when he got to ball James (Aussie James Troisi) could have had the a shot, but he had the presence of mind to lift his head.

"As a result he saw that I was in a better position to score and really he left me with a simple tap-in.

"Actually we put some good moves together on the night and it was a good work-out."