Newcastle United Football Club News

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

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

Owen steps up comeback

27 Mar 2007 - 13:40:57

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Newcastle United boss Glenn Roeder has confirmed that Michael Owen is only two weeks away from a return to full training after the striker was finally able to join in light warm-up work with his team-mates.

The 27-year-old has not played since suffering a serious knee injury in the opening minutes of England's draw with Sweden in last summer's World Cup finals in Germany.

Owen is unlikely to play for the Magpies first team this season, but Roeder told the club's official website: "Michael is now joining us in our football warm-up for the first time since he was injured last June.

"He's now taking part in 30 minutes of football with us everyday. I watched as Michael was striking the ball into an empty net on Monday and, believe me, it was great to see.

"By a week on Monday, Michael will be back in full training with us and he'll be treated no differently to any other player in our squad."

Meanwhile, Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd is determined not to rush Owen back to action too soon, saying: "I'm an England fan and I want to watch them in the Euro finals in 2008.

"But let's stop this clamour for Michael Owen returning to play for England before it gets up a full head of steam.

"Michael Owen will return when it's in the best interests of the player and Newcastle United, not England.

"The player and Newcastle United come first, but he will not be rushed back just so that he can play for England in the summer.

"And make no mistake about it, if Michael is not fit for Newcastle United this season he will not be fit for England."