Owen has played in Newcastle's last 15 games after returning from injury problems and he is starting to rediscover his top form.

He has scored four goals in his last seven games and Keegan is staggered that he keeps managing to be prolific despite coming in for constant criticism.

The 28-year-old striker's fitness has again been the focus of media scrutiny at times this season, while he has often been singled out when Newcastle have played poorly and there has been speculation about his future with the club.

Keegan believes that Owen has proved his quality time and again through the years, while he has been even more impressed by the way he always remains unfazed in times of adversity.

The Newcastle boss feels it is these characteristics that make him the ideal candidate to lead the fight against relegation.

"It does not matter who Michael Owen is playing for, he will always score goals," Keegan told the club's official website.

"It amazes me how people want to keep trying to knock him.

"Look at his goal record. At Liverpool it was unbelievable, at Real Madrid it was unbelievable, with England it's unbelievable, and here again - it's unbelievable.

"Yet people still knock him.

"But Michael is not the sort to feel sorry for himself and just keep going.

"That is why he is a great captain for this club because you need someone who is bulletproof, and Michael Owen is certainly bulletproof."