Capello snubbed the Newcastle striker for today's game with Kazakhstan and next week's World Cup qualifier with Belarus.

Instead, Capello has put his faith in Jermain Defoe, who has scored seven times for Portsmouth this season, and Peter Crouch as back-up forwards.

The Italian is adamant he has not abandoned Owen, using Crouch as an example of his willingness to recall key men.

"I have seen a lot of games and decided on Crouch and Defoe," observed Capello.

"Don't forget, Defoe is the best scorer in England right now.

"But Crouch was not in the last two squads, and neither was Shaun Wright-Phillips.

"It shows the door is open always. Michael Owen is a good player, and it is possible he will be back the next time."

Newcastle boss Joe Kinnear has re-iterated his admiration for Owen, saying: "Michael is a very knowledgeable person, he leads by example. He's the best finisher in the world.

"I was amazed he was left out by England. But that is Mr Capello's choice not mine.

"One thing that is for certain, and nobody can take away from him, is his record. It's there in black and white for all to see."

Kinnear was at Ninian Park to watch Steven Taylor skipper the England Under-21s in Wales, but says that isn't the end of his watching brief.

He added: "I will spend the weekend glued to the box to see if any of the lads get injured.

"I will take in as many of the games as possible that the players are involved."