Joe Kinnear has likened Newcastle United Football Club’s Michael Owen to Jimmy Greaves.

The Magpies interim boss takes charge of his first game on Sunday when he takes his players to Everton, and he is banking on the quality of Owen to lift the spirits of the troubled club.

"He can have a serious impact. Everything about Michael Owen is quality, his whole demeanour, his approach to the game,” said Kinnear. "We know he's one of the best finishers.

“I played with somebody like Michael in my time, and that was Jimmy Greaves. He's sharp, has a very quick brain, sees the opportunity and reads the game well.

“He's exactly what Jimmy Greaves was all about. It's nice to have somebody of such importance in the dressing room. This week, Michael has been a great help around the ground."