Ray Clemence is convinced Michael Owen can revive his England career despite the Newcastle United forward being left out of Fabio Capello's 23-man squad for the World Cup qualifying matches against Kazakhstan and Belarus.

Owen, 28, missed September's wins over Andorra and Croatia following injury and illness but has played in all of Newcastle's six games since then and has five goals so far this season. However, Capello chose to recall Peter Crouch to his squad instead.

"Michael has great belief in his own ability," Clemence, the England goalkeeping coach, said. "His record speaks for himself. He has proven he can score goals at the very top level, in World Cups and European Championships. So if he is playing to the best of his ability I'm sure Fabio will consider him.

"The four strikers who are there at the moment are all scoring goals and therefore they are there on merit."

Clemence is convinced Newcastle's problems both on and off the field have hindered Owen's cause. "Newcastle need somebody to steady the ship," he said. "Joe Kinnear I'm sure will do a good job in the time that he is there but they need somebody long term so the players and the fans know where the club is going.

"Until that happens it is difficult for the team to perform consistently week-in, week-out on the pitch.

"Michael has a strong belief in his own ability but you can only finish the chances that are created for you. He has the ability to score goals off his own bat but a lot are from inside the box from people delivering the ball to him.

"Fabio wants to have the best 23 players he possibly can, whether that is Michael Owen, Jermain Defoe or Wayne Rooney. That's up to him. He feels the four strikers he has at the moment have done well for him."

Mark Hughes, the Manchester City manager, believes Shaun Wright-Phillips can make a big impact for England after the 26-year-old winger was recalled to the England squad eight months after winning the last of his 19 caps. Wright-Phillips has weighed in with four goals since his £9 million return to City from Chelsea in August.

"Shaun's quick and is experienced at international level," Hughes said. "His recall is justified and it won't faze him in any way, shape or form. He came back here a much better player, with more experience, and he understands what it takes to affect a game.

"Shaun is also a great guy who works extremely hard for his team-mates and his work ethic is without question. Mr Capello has recognised those qualities and that's why he is back in."

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