Source: SKY_Sports
Hughton hails Owen return
Chris Hughton is backing Michael Owen to fire Newcastle to Premier League safety this season.
The England international has not played for the Magpies since sustaining ankle ligament damage in the defeat at Manchester City on 28th January.
During his time on the sidelines Newcastle have taken just one win from five games, slipping to within a point of the relegation zone in the process.
However, Owen is poised to make his eagerly-anticipated return to action against Hull City on Saturday, with his caretaker boss giving him a glowing endorsement ahead of what promises to be a nail-biting climax to the 2008/09 campaign.
Hughton said: "What you want, particularly at a time like now when we know we are going into the last phase of the season, you want as many of your big players around the squad as possible, and Michael is certainly one of those.
"As our captain, Michael is arguably the biggest of the lot of them.
Boost"His presence around the squad is always a plus but to actually have him available to play really is a boost for us going into the Hull game.
"For numerous teams between now and the end of the season, their ability to score goals will be crucial to where they end up.
"Michael isn't just one of the best strikers in the Premier League, he is one of the best strikers around anywhere. You have to look at his record.
"These have been tough times for Michael regarding injuries but the one thing that remains consistent is that, when he plays, he scores goals.
"That's testimony to the type of player he is."
