Newcastle skipper Michael Owen is back in the team to face Middlesbrough tonight after being dropped by Alan Shearer for the visit to Anfield. In programme notes this evening, the England striker said Shearer was wrong to drop him but insisted he has no problem with the manager.

The 29-year-old striker was left on the bench for the 3-0 Premier League defeat at former club Liverpool, and had little chance to make amends for his costly miss in the Magpies' 0-0 home draw with Portsmouth five days earlier when he came on as a substitute.

Obafemi Martins makes way for Owen to start alongside Mark Viduka for tonight's must-win derby clash.

"On a personal basis, I am glad the last fortnight is over," said the 29-year-old. "I was angry with myself for missing that chance against Portsmouth and then disappointed to be left out of the starting line-up against my former club, Liverpool.

"I have known our manager, Alan Shearer, ever since I started in the game and consider him to be a friend.

"But there was no old pal's act as far as his decision-making was concerned.

"Though I was upset and felt that he was wrong - only last week, the press pointed out that even though I had only scored eight league goals this season, my conversion ratio was the best in the Premier League - what I can't fault is the way he handled the situation: strong, up-front and honest, just the way a top manager should be."

Owen has started 20 games in the league this season and come off the bench in another six. His eight goals in 26 appearances equates to approximately a goal every 228 minutes, or one every two-and-half games.

Newcastle: Harper, Beye, Steven Taylor, Bassong, Duff, Guthrie, Butt, Nolan, Gutierrez, Owen, Viduka. Subs: Krul, Coloccini, Martins, Ryan Taylor, Lovenkrands, LuaLua, Carroll.

Middlesbrough: Jones, Hoyte, Bates, Huth, Taylor, Downing, O'Neil, Shawky, Sanli, Emnes, Alves. Subs: Turnbull, Aliadiere, King, Arca, Adam Johnson, McMahon, Grounds.

Referee: Mike Dean (Wirral)