Shearer: Owen's the best

Last updated : 24 January 2004 By Adam Bryant
"He has been a pain in the neck for us at times," said the Newcastle hitman. "He's a great player - the best English forward.

"He'll always score goals, whatever team he is playing in. Hopefully not on Saturday, though. People know how much I admire him.

"He's been on the scene since he was 17, but he's still only 24. He has had his injuries, but you always know he will deliver goals.

"People take him for granted, but that's a sign of respect for him. He's up there with Thierry Henry and Ruud van Nistelrooy. He may not get as many mentions as they do, but he's up there with them without a doubt.

"He looked sharp at Wolves the other night and the more games he gets the better he will be. It's near-impossible to get straight back into the groove, but he's getting there.''