Owen: World renowned for Magpies

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Shay Given has urged Newcastle United to arrange a new contract for Michael Owen 'sooner rather than later'.

Owen is in the final year of his current deal at St James' Park and has yet to agree on an extension with the Magpies.

Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan is optimistic of keeping Owen and long-serving goalkeeper Given outlined the importance of retaining their skipper.

"It is between Michael and the club, but in an ideal world we would all like his contract sorted out sooner rather than later," said Given.

Presence

"At the same time though, he has got the rest of the season with his current contract.

"He has got a presence about him.

"Michael is a world renowned centre-forward and a world renowned goalscorer. When he leads us out, it sends a message to other teams.

"It tells them that we have some real quality in our side. He is the most world renowned player we have at the club."

Meanwhile, Owen is hoping for another chance to build up his match fitness with an outing against Coventry City in the Carling Cup, after he came off the bench to score the only goal against Bolton Wanderers in the Premier League at the weekend.

The striker said: "I've just got to make sure I am fit and healthy for the next few games.

"We'll discuss how long I'm going to play against Coventry, but Obafemi Martins has now got an injury, so we'll wait and see."