ENGLAND coach Fabio Capello admits he has been impressed with the form of Michael Owen having watched the Newcastle United skipper fire six goals in his last ten games.

The Toon No.10 has been deployed as the deep-lying member of a triumvirate frontline which has transformed the Magpies' fortunes in recent matches.

And Capello says that seeing Owen in that new role has certainly given him food for thought, commenting: "Michael Owen has made me think.

"Recently he has been playing in a different role behind the two strikers for Newcastle and I believe he is scoring because he is playing in that different role."

While the former Real Madrid boss was also quick to play down any suggestion of a rift between the pair, adding: "There is no problem between him and me as far as I am concerned.

"My relationship with Michael Owen is the same as with all the players.

"A good manager should have that equal relationship, whether it is with Michael Owen, David Beckham, Rio Ferdinand or anyone else.

"I have a group of players, and Michael Owen is part of my plans."