Newcastle United Football Club News

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

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

Owen set for Magpies start

20 Nov 2008 - 16:29:54

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Newcastle United striker Michael Owen is set to make his first start since the beginning of October in Saturday's meeting with Chelsea.

Owen, 28, has made three substitute appearances following his return from a latest groin injury.

He scored in last weekend's 2-2 draw with Wigan Athletic, but following a week on the training ground free from international distractions, the England striker is in line to start at Stamford Bridge.

"I would say he's close to 100 per cent now," said interim manager Joe Kinnear.

"Michael is frustrated because he feels he is almost there, but he's getting better and better and sharper and sharper.

"He has his own private coach and he has been doing an hour's special work with him before training starts. That is the type of professional he is."

Meanwhile, Kinnear also confirmed that defender Steven Taylor will miss the trip to the capital as he remains troubled by a groin strain.