Shearer has faith in Owen

The 29-year-old has failed to score in his last eight games for the club and critics has suggested that Shearer should axe the former Real Madrid star from his starting eleven.

“When you are a centre-forward and you haven’t scored goals you are going to get criticised. I know that, he knows that,” Shearer told Sky Sports News.

“It has happened before and it will happen again. He can handle that.

“We know that if we create chances, Michael will be there and Michael will score goals.

“It has been a concern because we have not created enough in the three games I have been involved in and that is something we need to change on Monday.”