Newcastle United Football Club News

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

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

Roeder rubbishes Owen talk

20 Apr 2007 - 15:04:38

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Newcastle United boss Glenn Roeder has rubbished speculation claiming Michael Owen's long-awaited return from injury is being held up by the club's fight for compensation from the Football Association.

Owen had looked set to make his first appearance since damaging knee ligaments in last summer's World Cup in Sunday's visit of Chelsea to St James' Park in the Premiership.

However, Roeder claims the £17million striker will play no part against Jose Mourinho's side as he has developed a slight groin strain.

Owen's continued absence has led to talk that the Magpies don't want to jeopardise their compensation claim, but Roeder has denied there is any boardroom politics at play.

Last week, chairman Freddy Shepherd revealed his frustration at the FA for failing to reach a settlement after Owen was injured while on international duty.

Shepherd even threatened to go to court to prevent the striker from playing for England in Estonia in a Euro 2008 qualifier in June.

However, when asked about the speculation, Roeder replied: "I would say they are barking up the wrong tree.

"It is just a question of getting Michael fully fit, and until he is fully fit, he will not play.

"When he is fit, I do not see why he should not play. But let's get him there first - not 99 per cent fit and hopefully that will happen before the last game of the season.

"There has not been a setback. Just having Michael around the training sessions has given all the players a lift and reminded everyone, including myself, what a quality goalscorer he is."