Newcastle United Football Club News

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

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

Owen reveals Euro dream

30 Mar 2007 - 14:53:22

Click To Enlarge

Injured Newcastle United striker Michael Owen hasn't given up hope of playing in Europe for the Magpies next season.

The England man has not played since damaging knee ligaments in last summer's World Cup in a group match against Sweden.

The former Liverpool and Real Madrid striker has stepped up his training this week and could make a first appearance of a frustrating campaign before the season ends in May.

But in the meantime, Owen believes his team-mates can go on a run and secure a top-seven finish and a UEFA Cup place for next season.

The Magpies face Manchester City in the Premiership on Saturday and currently occupy 11th place in the table.

"There are still plenty of games left and we made a charge up the table last year, and if we can do that this season we'll have an outside chance of Europe," he told the club's official website.

Owen has also pledged to repay the faith shown in him by the club after making just ten starts for the Magpies since a £16million move from Real Madrid in August 2005.

"Unfortunately it's been the case that I haven't played as many games as I'd have liked to because of injury," he continued.

"But when I have played I've scored quite a few goals and been happy with the contribution I've made.

"I've scored a few goals at St James' Park for other teams, but hopefully when the knee sorts itself out I'll be banging them in again."

Meanwhile, Newcastle have reported an operating loss of £6.9million for the six months up to December 31 2006.