PLANET FOOTBALL, SPORT & MUSIC

Peter Parka · Wed Apr 11, 2007 2:55 pm OWEN SCORES ON RETURN

From bbc.co.uk

Owen scores on return from injury
Michael Owen has made his comeback from injury in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Scottish side Gretna.
The striker has been out since rupturing his anterior cruciate knee ligament at the World Cup last summer.

Owen, 27, scored after 10 minutes before coming off an hour later in a game which also saw fellow forward Shola Ameobi make a return.

"We are all, including the medical staff, very happy with the way it went," said manager Glenn Roeder.

Owen could now be in line to face Chelsea on 22 April at St James' Park and his return will be a boost to England coach Steve McClaren.
England face a crucial Euro 2008 qualifier in June in Estonia and Owen will almost certainly play a part if he makes his Newcastle return this term.

But Roeder said: "I have to say that playing an 11-a-side match on the training ground is still a long way from playing Premiership football."

Throb · Wed Apr 11, 2007 8:18 pm

Still too soon for me, I'd like to seem him come back fresh for the new season.

junkie_j · Sun Apr 15, 2007 6:04 pm

good news for newcastle, i think owen and Martin's could be an awsome strike partnership for next season so watch out this is the calm b4 the storm

Rosler28 · Mon Apr 16, 2007 1:14 am

On paper Owen and Martins look like something to be feared but the reality is that one or both will be troubling the physio on a regular basis and often at the same time. The alternative striker, Ameobi, is similarly afflicted but isn't 10% as good as either of the other two.

Flagellum Dei · Tue Apr 17, 2007 7:22 pm

Is a real shame, I do hope they can stay injury free for the next season, they could indeed terfify other teams.

Public Enemy · Wed Apr 18, 2007 6:26 pm

I hope Michael Owen makes a full and complete recovery, he has had his critics, but on his day he's one of the best strikers in the world.

Peter Parka · Thu Apr 19, 2007 7:56 pm

Apparently he's 50/50 to play at the weekend!