England News

• Nickname:Three Lions
• Founded: 1872
• Manager:Roy Hodgson

• Ground:Wembley Stadium
• Capacity:90,000

Owen ignores Sam concern

09 Oct 2007 - 09:15:51

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England striker Michael Owen has shrugged aside his Newcastle United manager Sam Allardyce's concerns about him playing two games in four days for his country.

Allardyce has urged Owen and England to be careful about over-exerting the frontman, who recently underwent surgery on a stomach problem less than two weeks ago.

However, the player himself has no concerns that he will be able to cope with clashes against Estonia and Russia in quick succession.

He said: "I will listen to the surgeon and not anyone else, because she knows what she is talking about. I don't see why there was any risk in me playing on Sunday against Everton.

"Everyone could see how much I wanted to get back quickly and play for Newcastle. It shows a bit of determination on my part to get out there.

"It's feeling good and I am available for both teams I represent.

"I know the manager here said I did the injury in the last international match, but I was playing in pain even before then. I'd been pushing through the pain for the last six weeks.

"It now feels great, much stronger than when I went in."