There is no denying that Michael Owen on his day is world-class; he may even have been on his best day in recent weeks. But as he lurches from one injury to the next, is it time that Newcastle cut their losses and cashed in on their golden goose?

Owen's strike rate says it better than anyone can in words - the former Liverpool star is a goal-machine. Even in his brief glimpses in a black-and-white striped shirt (the Newcastle No.10 has only completed 90 minutes 13 times in over two years), it is evident that he still has it. The question is, can Sam Allardyce afford to lose him to yet another inevitable long-term injury?

Maybe it is due to being thrust into the limelight relatively early that he is beginning to show tell-tale signs of burning out. But it seems more likely than not that the diminutive finisher par excellence will continue to be plagued with injury problems until he surely limps out of the game at a young age.

'No one player is bigger than a club, and the Geordies may benefit from the cash injection so that Big Sam can bring in younger striking options'


Ever since Owen was first unveiled at Newcastle during the tail-end of a pretty mediocre Graeme Souness reign, it has been thought he would use St James Park as a stepping stone to a supposed ‘bigger’ club. Now it may be time for the Toon army to offload the physio’s nightmare. At least if they do it so sometime soon they will recoup part of the £16m they paid Real Madrid in the summer of 2005.

It may seem a cruel way to proceed but maybe the best that Newcastle fans can hope for is a cash return on a player who, for whatever reason, does not seem capable of putting in the hours day in and day out. The Toon squad already has a range of strikers of varying ability, including Obafemi Martins, who has been a great investment since his arrival, Shola Ameobi, who has never lived up to potential, and Mark Viduka, who scores goals wherever he goes.

Some may say giving up on Owen would show a lack of ambition as he's been one of the best strikers in the world in his pomp. But surely it shows too much dependence to keep giving him the responsibility of leading the line if and when he is fully fit. No one player is bigger than a club, and the Geordies may benefit from the cash injection so that Big Sam can bring in younger striking options. Who knows, it may even bring through the Michael Owen of the next generation, who may be at the St James' Park academy waiting for the call to action.

I know there is a danger of over-reaction, especially given his recent good form, but I am sure that every time Owen comes into physical contact Toon Army hearts must skip a beat. For their sake, maybe it's time for the club to cut their losses and find the next big thing.

Should he stay or should he go? Do you think Newcastle should sell Michael Owen? Post your comments below or submit an article to Sportingo if you prefer.