Naive Michael Owen: Europe Really?

Michael Owen is on his way back from injury and his medication is obviously playing havoc with him. He is convinced that Newcastle can still qualify for Europe. Bizarre I know.

A lucky win against Aston Villa and suddenly there is new-found optimism from the captain. Even Shola Ameobi has scored, how lucky can they get?

It might be worthwhile that Owen goes out and gets those tetanus shots, as the only way he will be able to go oversees this year will be on holiday. Or, he may even have to see if his passport is still valid from his overzealous Real Madrid days.

Newcastle will not make Europe for numerous of reasons. For one, there are at least ten better prepared and able teams currently battling out in the top flight.

For two, Mike Ashley will put no funds into a club he is looking to sell. And for three, with many players running out contract, including Owen, there may not be even a competitive team for next season so there may not even be a point.

Owen is in the distant plans of Fabio Capello and cannot even warrant a place in the squad as the England side travel to Germany and that would have been easy for Owen to get abroad.

The only chance of Newcastle going abroad will be Cardiff City away in the FA Cup, they are already out of the Carling Cup. Or dare I say it, a trip to Swansea in the Championship. Perhaps Joe Kinnear will be able to take his side on an ill-advised trip to Malaga. It did Leicester City a world of good did it not?

Newcastle are a world class club and a surreal fan base and they especially do not deserve this. When Kevin Keegan took the reins, he was a realist. He saw a club in a dire straits and told the fans alike.

Owen should have been more clever and not given those faithful fans, who pay his wages, hope. The whole club is in transition and the fans must be anticipating the end of the season and gracefully hoping for Premiership football.