"For a modern footballer, and there are plenty earning more than £5million a year, the money is not an issue," he told the Daily Telegraph.
"Disregard how you feel about that sum of money, because losing £30,000 is not going to plunge an England international into debt.
"Owen is an intelligent young man, who is shrewd enough to know that he must make the most of his tremendous talent.
"He will retire from football a wealthy man regardless of whether he wins or loses a few card games."