Kinnear banking on Owen

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By Chris Burton   Last updated: 3rd October 2008

Kinnear banking on Owen

Owen: Vital to Newcastle's cause

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Joe Kinnear believes Michael Owen can help save Newcastle's season and stabilise the club.

The Magpies' interim boss will take charge of the troubled side for the first time when they travel to Everton on Sunday.

With the North East outfit currently languishing second from bottom in the Premier League table, a positive result on Merseyside is critical.

Kinnear admits club captain Owen has been his link to the dressing room since he arrived at St James' Park and is looking to the England international to lead by example.

Impact

He said: "He can have a serious impact. Everything about Michael Owen is quality, his whole demeanour, his approach to the game.

"We know he's one of the best finishers. I played with somebody like Michael in my time, and that was Jimmy Greaves.

"He's sharp, has a very quick brain, sees the opportunity and reads the game well. He's exactly what Jimmy Greaves was all about.

"It's nice to have somebody of such importance in the dressing room. This week, Michael has been a great help around the ground."

Infectious

Kinnear will forever be associated with the Wimbledon 'Crazy Gang' of the 1990s, but admits he has inherited a few players at Newcastle that remind him of those heady days.

"Joey Barton, without a doubt, is one who would be in the Crazy Gang for the simple fact that he is crazy," he added.

"He is very infectious, just like Danny Guthrie. They whizz in and out.

"Nicky Butt is the same, and we have some really good characters in the dressing room at St James' Park."