Newcastle United Football Club

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

• Ground:St James' Park
• Capacity:52193

Owen targets festive return

10 Dec 2007 - 14:29:27

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Newcastle United boss Sam Allardyce has revealed Michael Owen is expected to be fit for the club's festive programme.

The injury-prone striker has been out of action since tearing a thigh muscle while on England duty in a friendly win over Austria last month.

However, Allardyce expects the 27-year-old forward to be available for the Magpies home clash with Derby County on December 23.

Owen, who cost £16million from Real Madrid in August 2005, has made just 11 appearances this season.

"We're looking at more good news by getting some players back for Saturday's game with Fulham at Craven Cottage," Allardyce told the club's official website.

"Michael Owen will probably not play in it, but we're expecting him back with the rest of the first-team squad nearer the end of the week.

"And if Saturday will probably come too early for him, he should certainly be back for the game with Derby County at St James' Park."

Meanwhile, reports suggest Celestine Babayaro has played his last game for the club after agreeing to terminate his contract.

The 29-year-old left-back has just six months remaining on his existing deal, but has not made an appearance since March after suffering a succession of injuries.