Keegan talks up Owen versatility April 12 2008
Kevin Keegan predicted Michael Owen would be Newcastle's "leader for years to come" despite the captain missing a a golden chance to clinch a fourth win a row at Portsmouth.
Owen, who has scored 10 goals this season after recovering from a long-term knee injury, looked a certain matchwinner in the 72nd minute when Sylvain Distin's mistimed attempt at clearing Geremi's corner landed the ball on his foot.
But his volley from eight yards flashed over the bar, although Pompey goalkeeper David James revealed the ball had brushed his hair on the way over and insisted: "If I had had my hair cut last week we would have lost 1-0."
The Magpies boss, who thinks Fabio Capello should try Owen in a new midfield role for England, also brushed off miss and said: "We had other chances and probably should have won the way we played.
"But getting a point here is certainly another good result although both Harry (Redknapp) and I are bound to say it's two points dropped on chances.
"We've come up against a really good team with an exceptional goalkeeper who in any other season would be named player of the year for the way he's performed.
"I know he's been nominated by the football writers for it but if he doesn't win it they should strike a special award for him. He's that good."
James actually survived a couple of rash moments and luck was on his side when Owen's instinctive shot flew at him.
But Keegan said: "Michael Owen was superb. He's in a new position for us, linking the midfield and attack and people just don't realise how fit he is.
"The Newcastle fans haven't seen him that much because of injuries but he's come back and played 20-odd games now.
"He's our leader now and covers phenomenal distances during matches. He's a fantastic player and I didn't know how good he is when I had him with England.
"I think he could offer Fabio Capello a real solution in the position he's playing. He can win the ball back for us and burst forward into the box. He's scored in his last four matches before this so none of that has deserted him.
"I think Capello, now that he hasn't got to qualify for anything for a while, should take a look at him there when he can.
"People know how I rate Michael and I'm confident he's going to sign a new contract with us and be here for the next three or four years leading us."
Redknapp saw his FA Cup finalists keep a clean sheet for the 22nd time this term and insisted: "That was a save by Jamo. The shot hit his head and went over.
"He's had two great seasons for us and I couldn't tell you how many points he's been worth to us in that time. He hasn't had too scary moments for us although there were one or two today.
"But it's great for him to be nominated in the player of the year shortlist even though I'm still convinced (Cristiano) Ronaldo will win it.
"I knew it would be tough today. Newcastle have been on a good run and it was all pretty tight out there. Without John Utaka (injured) we don't have too much width and the pitch was also a bit bumpy.
"The lads have been great and did well in midweek to win at West Ham but I think they were a bit tired today."
The Portsmouth manager saw Jermain Defoe, his own lethal striker, miss a great chance with only keeper Steve Harper to beat in the 52nd minute.
Redknapp claimed Pompey could "easily have had a penalty" when Kanu's shot struck defender Steve Taylor's arm after rebounding off his heel just before the break.
He added: "The ball came off his foot and I don't think he meant to play it with his arm - but I've seen them given."
Keegan admitted: "We were a bit fortunate but it would have been a harsh decision to give a penalty."