Newcastle United boss Kevin Keegan has criticised England coach Fabio Capello's sparing use of Michael Owen in his two internationals so far.

"Michael has scored 40 goals for England and he has come and trained fantastically today," said Keegan. "I and my staff feel he is playing so well that it is hard to understand why he can't get in an England side.

"We will have to see what happens but his scoring record is tremendous, his leadership is important and he plays a key role for us. I couldn't ask for any more.

"I've asked him to do a different job because of the personnel we have at the moment in terms of the squad and the fit players who are available.

"Michael has had to play a slightly different role but he has never once said this is not what I'm about. He's just said: 'Yeah, I'll do it'.

"Has he lost a yard of pace through injury? I think the opposite and everything I've said has been the opposite to the criticism Michael gets."