Newcastle could take legal action to ensure they are fully compensated for the loss of striker Michael Owen on World Cup duty.

Amid reports that the FA took out additional insurance in case Wayne Rooney broke down during the World Cup finals, Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd has called for a 'one rule for all' policy with Owen facing months on the sidelines.

He said: "If reports are true that the FA paid to take out extra cover for Wayne Rooney above and beyond what they would do for other players during the World Cup finals, then I find that wrong.

"The FA should not discriminate when it comes to things like this. It should be one rule for all players and all clubs. In this case, it is Newcastle United who now have to pick up the pieces.

"Michael is our record signing and he went to Germany as the leading goalscorer in the England squad, so we have every right to feel aggrieved that he returns to us injured and without adequate compensation paid to us.

"That's our position and we have today instructed our lawyers to take this forward."

The FA's insurers will pick up the tab for a proportion of Owen's wages while he is out of action, although Newcastle's foresight in taking out extra cover on the player has proved well-founded. PA