James Milner insists Newcastle United can cover for the absence of Michael Owen.

He said: "Fortunately, we have some cover up front who can come in and do a job. The great thing about the club now is we've a lot of quality cover who can come in and do that, especially up front. We have a lot of different options with players who have the pace, strength and speed.

"You'll always miss Michael, but hopefully we can get by as well as we can.

"When somebody gets injured now there's cover and we also have competition for places."

"It's a big blow for Michael because he's worked so hard to get fit," added Milner. "And he'll be a big miss for us.

"But he'll come back and prove his doubters wrong, not that he should have to do that because he's come back from injury so many times.

"He's a big character and he'll be working very hard to get back."