Newcastle United legend Peter Beardsley says Michael Owen must be a starter for caretaker coach Chris Hughton.
"I think he's so important, he's someone who gets goals and that is what sets teams apart at this stage of the season. Michael always looks like he's going to score goals when he is given those chances," Beardsley told the Evening Chronicle.
"If he gets one or two chances in a game, I'd be willing to bet that he'd score one of them.
"He's a natural finisher - and that's something you can't coach. He's like Alan Shearer - he'll always be in the right place at the right time.
"I look at goals like the one against Sunderland last season when he came in behind Paul McShane - no-one else would have scored that kind of goal. He was so bright, so alert.
"Michael should never, ever be criticised by any fan of this football club. He didn't choose to be injured, he got injured playing for England and the club got well compensated for that.
"Whatever Michael Owen does for this club is more than good enough for me.
"He's the perfect role model for this club and this city, he never gets involved in any controversy, he's a leader.
"Just because he doesn't rant and rave it doesn't mean he's not a 'proper' captain or a proper leader."