NEWCASTLE face Nemesis Michael Owen in the fourth round of the FA Cup at Anfield tonight with skipper Alan Shearer conceding that the Liverpool star is England's best striker.

That mantle once belonged to Shearer - and some would say he can still lay claim to it.

At 33, Shearer is the leading scorer in this season's Premiership with 16 goals.

But the former England captain, who was Owen's strike partner at international level when the Reds' ace was a teenage prodigy, knows at first hand the havoc he can wreak.

Owen, returning to form and fitness after three months out through injury, has scored 13 goals in his nine appearances against the Magpies and has missed his side's last two meetings with them.

Shearer said: "He has been a pain in the neck for us at times. He's a great player - the best English forward.

"He'll always score goals, whatever team he is playing in. Hopefully not on Saturday, though. People know how much I admire him.

"He's been on the scene since he was 17, but he's still only 24. He has had his injuries, but you always know he will deliver goals.

"People take him for granted, but that's a sign of respect for him. He's up there with Thierry Henry and Ruud van Nistelrooy. He may not get as many mentions as they do, but he's up there with them without a doubt.

"He looked sharp at Wolves the other night and the more games he gets the better he will be. It's near-impossible to get straight back into the groove, but he's getting there.''

Sir Bobby Robson is likewise acutely aware of the threat Owen poses.

The Newcastle manager said: "He's sharp, elusive and darts over the ground. Give him a yard and you won't catch him and he invariably sticks the ball in the net.

"We must not let him get in behind us. He's quick - but we've got Jonathan Woodgate, and he's quick too.

"I know what Alan is saying about Owen. He hasn't got Alan's heading ability or the leading of the line that Alan gives us.

"But in terms of being quick and having an eye for a chance, he's a wizard. We have Craig Bellamy, who is like that in a way, and Kieron Dyer is trying to be like that.''

Owen's destiny - and that of Shearer -might have been different if the Geordie hero had joined Liverpool.

In his autobiography, Shearer revealed he nearly signed for them in 1996 before his then-world record £15m move to Newcastle from Blackburn.

"That's all hypothetical,'' said Shearer. "It's all in the past. It was close, but it never happened, similar to me and Manchester United.

"Liverpool are a great club, so are Manchester United and so are Newcastle. I have no regrets at all."

Anfield holds one of Shearer's happiest memories - winning the Premiership title there with Blackburn in 1995.

He said: "I haven't been on a winning side there with Newcastle, but Blackburn did win the League at Anfield - even though we didn't win the game. They were bizarre circumstances, but I did win there with Blackburn.''

Some have billed tonight's tie as make or break for Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier.

But Shearer said: "I'm a big fan of his. Look at what he has achieved over five years. The number of trophies they have won is fantastic. I keep hearing rumours and reading articles and I can't understand the criticism he gets.

"We are in the same boat - fighting for fourth place and the Champions League - but we haven't any trophies and they have.

"Liverpool are a huge club with a huge following around the world. They've had some great players, and the likes of Owen and co are trying to prolong those achievements and emulate them.''

Shearer longs for an FA Cup winner's medal and a major honour with Newcastle before he hangs up his boots at the end of next season.

He stressed: "We are in it to win it, but so are all the other clubs. Newcastle-Liverpool would have been a great final, but one of us is going out at an early stage. There is pressure on both sides.

"It has all the ingredients of something special - it's going to be a hell of a game. It'll be tough, tougher than the tie at Southampton. Liverpool has not been the happiest hunting ground for us in recent years.

"But we said the same about Southampton - we hadn't won there for 32 years.''

Robson said: "It's a monumental game. It gives the side that goes through an even better chance of getting to the final, because one of the big clubs will be out.

"Owen and Steven Gerrard have just come back from injury and Liverpool are back to near enough full strength again.''

Newcastle midfielder Dyer, currently operating alongside Shearer, will make his 150th start for the club.

Shearer said: "Kieron enjoys playing up front. He runs into corners and finds spaces.

"He's doing well there, and after his two goals at Southampton, he'll be delighted if he bags two at Anfield.''