Newcastle United legend Peter Beardsley is urging club owner Mike Ashley to do all he can to secure Michael Owen to a new contract.

"Michael should never, ever be criticised by any fan of this club," declared Beardsley. "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.''