Temporary Newcastle manager Joe Kinnear has revealed that he will stick with Michael Owen as club captain.

Owen was appointed captain when Kevin Keegan took over as manager and Kinnear intends to let the England striker retain the armband.

Kinnear said: "Michael is a quality player, no question about that. With the experience he has got he has seen it and done it. I would like to get similar players around him.

"There's no reason why he won't continue to be my captain. He is a very good voice in the dressing room. He has been there and done it and we need more players like that."

The interim boss would not comment on questions surrounding Owen's future and the rumours that the Magpies will sell him.

He added: "I am not aware of anything to do with his contract. You will have to ask him or anyone else about what his long-term plans are.

I don't know anything about his contract. It is not running out in the next eight games, so it doesn't really bother me."