Newcastle United legend Peter Beardsley insists Michael Owen deserves a place in Fabio Capello's England squad.

Beardsley told the Daily Star Sunday: "Michael is still the best finisher this country has got. If you are giving marks for the best goalscorer then he's a ten out of ten.

"I really feel sorry for Michael that he's been left out of the current squad. I may be biased because I work with Newcastle but to me he's a superstar.

"He will be hurt but you wouldn't be able to tell. He never sulks, never gets his head down. His demeanour never changes whether life is good or bad. You can never tell what Michael is thinking.

"And that's the sign of a great striker. Alan Shearer was the same. Deadpan expressions and a body language which gives no clues away to how they're feeling.

"But let me tell you, it's easy to see that Michael has been outstanding for Newcastle in what has been a dreadful time for the club and the fans.

"Michael is a great striker, that will never change. But Fabio Capello has gone a different route this time and I can't argue with him. I would never criticise a man who has worked with the best players in the world."