Newcastle United Football Club

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

• Ground:St James' Park
• Capacity:52193

KK expecting Owen boost

07 Aug 2008 - 08:40:03

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Newcastle United manager Kevin Keegan remains confident that captain Michael Owen will be fit for the start of the new Premier League season.

The 29-year-old England striker has missed much of the pre-season build-up due to a calf injury, but Keegan thinks that Owen will be ready to face Manchester United a week on Sunday.

However, Owen is unlikely to be risked in the prestigious friendly with Valencia which ends the pre-season programme.

Keegan commented: "Michael will want to play and maybe have half a match, but I've told him I won't risk him.

"He'll be fit for Manchester United as long as he doesn't have any setbacks.

"He's just started running again and done a lot of strength work. He's a very fit boy.

"We must get some football into him again now, but we can do that internally without throwing him into a game five days after his comeback."