NEWCASTLE United skipper Michael Owen may have been forced to miss the hard-fought 2-2 draw with Manchester City on Monday night because of a groin injury.

But there was a consolation for the Magpie skipper as he appeared on the St. James' Park pitch before the game to collect his Carling Player of the Month award for September.

Owen won the fans' vote for last month having netted in three consecutive matches against West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur and Blackburn Rovers.

United's record signing was presented with the prize by supporter Chris Robson, who was selected at random from all those who voted in the poll.

Monday night also saw Jonas Gutierrez belatedly pick up the award for August.

The fractured collarbone sustained on international duty with Argentina had delayed the presentation, but 'Spiderman' was back at Gallowgate to collect the trophy from supporter Joanne Dunn, also chosen as the lucky winner by Carling.

Each month, Fairs Cup skipper Bob Moncur and Evening Chronicle football writer Lee Ryder draw up a five-man shortlist for the Player of the Month.

Once the nominations have been announced, fans can visit www.carling.com/potm to register their vote - and one lucky supporter is then chosen at random to attend a match at St. James' Park and make the presentation pitchside to the winning player.

Bob and Lee will announce the nominations for the October vote after the game against West Bromwich Albion, so make sure you have your say in the next poll!