ALAN Shearer has backed fit again strikers Michael Owen and Shola Ameobi to break Newcastle's barren spell in front of goal and sign off yet another wretched season of disappointment on a positive note.

United have gone four Premier League games without scoring at St James' Park. A total of six hours and 20 minutes of Premiership football has passed since Nolberto Solano netted from the penalty spot against Liverpool on February 10.

You have to go back even further to find a goal from open play - seven hours and four minutes have passed since Obafemi Martins scored in a 2-1 victory over Rafa Benitez's Champions League finalists.

But with Owen back, after nearly 11 months out with a ruptured cruciate ligament, the chances of ending this miserable record have increased.

The England man made his first outing in a black and white shirt in over a year in Newcastle's 1-0 defeat at Reading on Monday. Although Owen did not score on his return to action he looked remarkably sharp.

Shearer had one or two serious injuries himself in his illustrious playing career and he understands the emotions his former strike partner would have been going through.

"Unfortunately, I have been in his position where it is a long old road back and some of the long, lonely days you have on your own with the physio," said the Magpies legend, who will be attending the game today.

"But when you come back it makes it all worthwhile - the buzz of playing football again, the adrenalin rush pumping.

"He would have gone through all those emotions but I thought he was brilliant.

"For his first game in I don't know how many months, I thought he looked sharp, he looked strong, and that all bodes well for Newcastle.

"I know there is a lot of talk with England and Michael, but he sometimes gets frustrated because he wants to come in and get back playing and he wants to score goals for Newcastle first and foremost.''

Owen's return has largely taken the pressure and the spotlight away from United's other long-term injured striker, Ameobi, who appeared at the Madejski Stadium as a second-half substitute.

Shearer added: "I felt a bit sorry for Shola because of all the hype with Michael, and that's understandable. But Shola has had a serious injury as well and he has worked very hard. He will feel the same as Michael will.

"They won't want the season to end, they will want the season to carry right through because they have just got back."