Owen: Ameobi backing

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Shola Ameobi says it is a 'shame' that Newcastle United team-mate Michael Owen's ability continues to be questioned.

Owen has endured an injury-troubled time at St James' Park and has scored twice in eight Premier League appearances this season.

He recently made a rapid return from a hernia operation, but doubts persist about his commitment to Newcastle after he was linked with a move to Manchester City.

But Ameobi believes Owen has consistently proven his critics wrong and is delighted the striker is back in the Magpies side.

Fantastic

"It's fantastic for us to have Michael back in the side," Ameobi told the Northern Echo. "He's a special guy.

"He has an ability to score goals that's rare in this day and age.

"People keep on knocking him down, but he continues to prove he's a world-class player.

"It's a shame that people keep on questioning him. Alan (Shearer) had it at times in his Newcastle career, and Michael's getting it these days.

World class

"I just don't understand it. He's a world-class striker, and he's someone that Newcastle need to reach the heights we want to reach and realise our ambitions as a club.

"He has shown how much he wants to play for Newcastle - he has demonstrated his desire by coming back from his operation so quickly.

"He has shown a desire to be out there, not just for England but for Newcastle United, and the criticism he has had is unfair.

"He just shrugs it off, though. He's a strong enough character to do that."