Owen will stay as our leader - Keegan

Owen, who has scored 10 goals this season after recovering from a long-term knee injury, looked a certain matchwinner in the 72nd minute, but his volley from eight yards flashed over the bar.

Keegan said: "We had other chances and probably should have won the way we played. People know how I rate Michael and I'm confident he's going to sign a new contract with us and be here for the next three or four years leading us."

He added: "But getting a point here is certainly another good result although both Harry (Redknapp) and I are bound to say it's two points dropped on chances.

"We've come up against a really good team with an exceptional goalkeeper who in any other season would be named player of the year for the way he's performed."

On Owen's attempt, Pompey keeper David James revealed the ball had brushed his hair on the way over and insisted: "If I had had my hair cut last week we would have lost 1-0."

James actually survived a couple of rash moments and luck was on his side when Owen's instinctive shot flew at him.

But Keegan said: "Michael Owen was superb. He's in a new position for us, linking the midfield and attack and people just don't realise how fit he is.

"The Newcastle fans haven't seen him that much because of injuries but he's come back and played 20-odd games now.

"He's our leader now and covers phenomenal distances during matches. He's a fantastic player and I didn't know how good he is when I had him with England."