Newcastle United Football Club News

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• Manager:Alan Pardew

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Owen never doubted ability

14 Sep 2007 - 09:05:45

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Newcastle United striker Michael Owen claims he never had any doubts about his ability to return to the form that saw his score three times for England during the past seven days.

Owen grabbed a brace in Wednesday's 3-0 win over Russia to add to his effort in the defeat of Israel last weekend by the same scoreline to confirm his comeback from a 10-month injury lay-off.

The 27-year-old sat out most of last season with knee ligament damage suffered while on England duty during last year's World Cup and there were doubts over his ability to return to top-flight action.

But Owen, who has started only 14 league games since joining the Magpies for £16million two years ago, claims he was always confident of his ability to return at the highest level.

"Did I ever doubt I would come back? No, never. I'm very strong mentally," he said.

"There might be a lot of people who've got a lot more skill than me, but not many people who are as mentally as strong as me.

"When it comes to beating long-term injuries or lack of form or criticism, I've got a thicker skin than anyone. I never doubted I'd be back.

"I went to see the best surgeon in the world. I had the best rehabilitation you could ever ask for and between my ears is the willpower and a strong mind to come back better than ever.

"I don't think anyone can say I've come back worse than before."