Kinnear quells Owen rift reports

Kinnear: Owen my best player

I'd like to talk to him but I am on the outside, not the inside.

Joe Kinnear on Michael Owen's future
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Newcastle United interim manager Joe Kinnear has dampened rumours of a rift between him and Michael Owen after the striker claimed he has been fit to play for 'a couple of weeks'.

Owen has been eased back into first-team action following a groin injury and came off the substitutes' bench to score in the 2-2 draw against Wigan Athletic last Saturday.

However, the 28-year-old was quoted as saying in the matchday programme at the weekend that he has been available for more playing time in recent weeks, sparking reports of growing friction between Owen and Kinnear.

The former Liverpool player wrote: "I have only played as sub in the last couple of games. The manager has preferred to bring me gradually back in - but it was only a small injury and I've been ready to play for a couple of weeks."

Powerless

But Kinnear said in the Daily Mirror on Monday: "It must be right then... I'd say he is about 80 per cent. He needs to be brought back gently. We know what Michael is capable of. No one asked these questions when we beat Aston Villa.

"Michael Owen is the best player at the football club. I have to make these decisions. Which ever decisions I make are never right.

"I took off Spiderman [Jonas Gutierrez, to boos from the crowd] and you will have a field day with that. It is a difficult job making decisions isn't it? Whatever decision I make you'll go against it."

Kinnear also outlined his desire for Newcastle to tie down Owen on a new deal with the forward's current contract due to expire at the end of the season, but conceded he is powerless due to his temporary role on Tyneside.

He added: "I'd like to talk to him but I am on the outside, not the inside."