OWEN WANTS TO CAPTAIN TOON

Michael Owen has admitted that he would love to captain Newcastle - but he might have to fight Joey Barton for the armband.

"I would love to skipper Newcastle United," said Owen in the Newcastle Evening Chronicle, before scoring for the Magpies against Hartlepool on Tuesday night.

Owen's main rival for the armband is thought to be Barton, who impressed with his powerful display in the victory.

Shay Given was captain against Hartlepool but the Chronicle believes that manager Sam Allardyce is not fond of having a goalkeeper as captain.

Last year's skipper was Scott Parker, who has since joined West Ham.

Taken from =football365=