Keegan backs Owen's England claims

The 28-year-old glanced home an 83rd-minute Geremi free-kick to ensure all three points were banked for the first time since December 15 as the Magpies completed a double over Fulham with a 2-0 win.

"People keep questioning all sorts of things with these great players, but they can answer them. Michael probably answered a few critics again - and there are plenty out there, from what I am seeing," Keegan said.

Mark Viduka had fired the home side into a sixth-minute lead, but a side which had not won in 13 attempts in the Barclays Premier League made hard work of it before Owen demonstrated his potency to kill off any prospect of a fightback.

The win left Newcastle in 13th place in the table, six points clear of the drop zone, although with work still to be done.

However, Keegan is confident the quality of his marksmen, and that of Owen in particular at a time when the speculation is that international boss Fabio Capello is not his biggest fan, will see them through.

"People can write what they want, but as a journalist, you have got to sit there and write what you see and here, you saw someone totally committed."

On the club's league position, Keegan added: "Whilst it doesn't mean we are not still in some danger, it just takes the pressure off everyone at the club.

"The players' attitude has been questioned, my ability as a manager has been questioned, but that's what you leave yourself open for if you don't get results.

"But more than anything, it just gives everyone around the club a boost, everyone, the supporters, the players, the staff. It gives everyone a boost."