Charlton tribute to Owen

Sir Bobby Charlton won the award himself in 1966

Sir Bobby Charlton believes Michael Owen deserves to be recognised as Europe's top footballer.

The Liverpool and England striker won the European Football of the Year Award on Monday ahead of Raul, Oliver Kahn and David Beckham.

Charlton, who won the award in 1966 following England's World Cup win, told BBC Radio Five Live: "Michael is a marvellous player.

"He is talented, gifted and certainly a player I would have been delighted to play alongside.

"He's a natural at scoring goals and he's a very exciting player. I first saw him play when he was a 16-year-old and it was obvious he had a great talent.

"Liverpool are very lucky to have a player of such promise and the promise has been fulfilled.

"With the great year Liverpool had this year not many would argue that Michael was well worth this award.

"He's a very nice, level-headed young person and he will wear it well. He's a very nice person as well as a good footballer."

Charlton insists Owen's award and David Beckham coming second in the Fifa World Player of the Year poll to Real Madrid star Luis Figo are signs that the new era in English football is gaining worldwide recognition.

Prior to Owen winning the award there had been a barren period of 22 years since an Englishman - Kevin Keegan - last won the award.

"I'm surprised we haven't won anything since then although I suppose we have been in the international wilderness," Charlton added.

"But it's about winners. If you are that type of person who wants to win you get noticed and it won't be a while before we win more awards like this."