Newcastle United Football Club News

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

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

Successful op for Owen

07 Sep 2006 - 09:10:02

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Newcastle United striker Michael Owen is set to start an intensive rehabilitation programme after undergoing knee surgery in Colorado on Wednesday.

The operation, performed by world renowned surgeon Richard Steadman, was the second the 26-year-old has had since suffering a ruptured cruciate ligament during England's World Cup clash with Sweden in June.

The surgery went well and Magpies boss Glenn Roeder is backing Owen to make a full recovery from his latest injury setback.

Roeder told United's official website: "I've spoken to our club doctor Roddy MacDonald across in Colorado and he gave me the fantastic news that Michael's operation went extremely well.

"As far as Michael is concerned, he can now start to focus on playing again.

"It's going to be a long haul but he can start to focus on that.

"And I look forward to the day when I can write his name on a Newcastle United teamsheet."

Owen has been dogged by injuries since joining the Magpies from Real Madrid in August 2005 and managed to play just 11 times last season.