Kevin Keegan insisted Michael Owen is "still a world-class player" as Fabio Capello watched the Newcastle striker grab a vital equaliser in the 1-1 draw at Birmingham on Monday night.

Although Owen has scored 40 international goals he was left on the substitutes' bench for the England coach's first game in charge against Switzerland last month.

But with the Italian naming his squad on Thursday for next week's friendly against France, Owen picked the perfect time to send out a reminder of his talents.

The 28-year-old's close-range strike was his third goal in six games and Keegan said: "I've said for five or six weeks now that Michael is getting back to full sharpness - but every time he doesn't score, people say he is not the same player.

"Before you criticise Michael too much, you have to put all the facts into the mix but he is fit now and he is a determined character. That is what I like about him.

"Everyone needs a few games to get back to full sharpness. Goalscorers need to get in the positions just to familiarise themselves with how it was like when they've been out for a long time.

"This is the first time he's got to eight games in a row for about two-and-a-half years with the injuries.

"I think some people in this country might be losing a bit of faith but just look at his record. Even for Newcastle, his record is fantastic. He is still a world-class player.

"I don't know what the England manager thinks, but that's what I think." Not only did Owen's goal boost his international cause, it also rescued a vital point for Newcastle, who had fallen behind to first-half effort from James McFadden.

Although Keegan is still looking for his first win since returning to Tyneside - last night was his third point in eight games - at least Newcastle appeared more threatening.

A string of fine saves from Maik Taylor denied the visitors and the performance gave Keegan cause for optimism ahead of Saturday's game, another relegation clash, this time at home to Fulham.

"A lot of people showed the determination and character you need away from home," said Keegan. "We had the momentum and were unlucky not to get the three points.

"Maik Taylor made a great save from Michael Owen but I know from having him at Fulham that he is capable of doing that."

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish is remaining upbeat despite seeing his side draw at home with a bottom-six team for the fourth time since late December.

He said: "There are plenty of points to play for, for everyone, and it is going to be a battle right to the end of the season."