Newcastle United Football Club News

• Nickname:Magpies
• Founded:1881
• Manager:Alan Pardew

• Ground:St James' Park
• Capacity:52,193

Capello lifeline for Owen

21 Nov 2008 - 07:25:46

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England coach Fabio Capello insists the international door remains open for Newcastle United striker Michael Owen.

The 28-year-old has featured in just one squad since Capello took charge 11 months ago, as a second-half substitute in a friendly defeat to France in Paris in March.

Owen has continually been overlooked due to a series of fitness problems, but Capello has thrown the injury-plagued striker a lifeline by suggesting he would be picked should he play consistently and well for the Magpies.

On Thursday, Newcastle's interim manager Joe Kinnear revealed the former Liverpool and Real Madrid striker was set to start Saturday's clash with Chelsea on the back of three substitute appearances following his latest comeback from a groin problem.

"The door is open for every player," claimed Capello.

"At this moment I am selecting the players who are in the best physical condition.

"To play at international level you have to be 100 per cent. It is impossible to play at 60 per cent.

"Owen did not come because in the last two (Newcastle) games he played 20 minutes and 50 minutes.

"If he was okay, he would play all the game, but he is not okay for the manager of Newcastle."