Owen is finally back among the goals again

The England striker, who last found the net for The Magpies at West Ham on 17 December, 2005, converted James Troisi's 58th-minute cross.

That was after Shola Ameobi had cancelled out James Brown's opener.

Ameobi, who was brought off the bench at half-time along with Owen, scored his second goal 17 minutes from time.

Interview: Newcastle United striker Shola Ameobi

Despite the match being only a friendly, Barton snapped into every tackle and the travelling Newcastle fans showed their appreciation by chanting his name.

Barton's contribution also left his new boss beaming, with Allardyce saying: "He was very good - but that's him just taking it easy, really.

"He can be anything he wants to be as a footballer. He can be the very best if he wants to be."

Allardyce was also delighted with his goal scorers and added: "It's been a long wait for Michael and Shola, who has been out with that hip injury for a long time as well.

"They are a handful for anybody in the Premier League if they are firing on all cylinders, certainly with their finishing qualities.