mattsaunders

Owen cleared for Estonia showdown

Newcastle's Michael Owen insists he has been given the all-clear to feature in England's games against Estonia on Saturday and Russia on 17 October.

Magpies manager Sam Allardyce had voiced concerns about Owen's ability to play in the two Euro 2008 qualifiers after stomach surgery nine days ago.

But Owen, 27, told BBC 5live: "I'm fine now and there's no risk.

"The club will want to protect me but if you listen to the surgeon, they will say there is absolutely no problem."

Allardyce and England coach Steve McClaren dismissed claims they are in dispute over Owen.

And both Owen and the medical team attending to his injury, are confident he has made a full recovery.

He added: "The surgeon has said that it is a short rehab time when you get back playing. There is no problem with playing both games. It's better to push it as far as you can.

"On Wednesday I had little discomfort but Thursday was perfect and I have been ever since.

"I'll listen to the surgeon and nobody else because she knows what she is talking about.

"I don't see why I can't play - the surgeon tells me nothing can go wrong."

Owen scored on his return to the Newcastle side in a 16-minute cameo during Sunday's 3-2 win over Everton.

And he will be expected to play a key role in England's game against Estonia at Wembley on Saturday, plus next week's clash with Russia in Moscow.

Allardyce claimed Owen picked up the injury playing for England last month, but the forward insists he had it before then.

Allardyce meanwhile is a little more cautious over his star striker.

He said earlier in the week: "I don't know if two games in such a short space of time is right.

"It's not my decision but I will speak to England boss Steve McClaren."

mattsaunders

Owen targets landmarks

Michael Owen has set his sights on 50 goals and 100 caps for England after declaring himself fit and ready to face Estonia on Saturday.

Owen, who has made a remarkable recovery from a hernia operation, is on a high right now after scoring for Newcastle last weekend just eight days after going under the knife.

Now he has re-iterated his commitment to the national team after training with his Three Lions team-mates.

Owen currently has 85 caps and 40 goals – only nine short of Bobby Charlton's all-time scoring record – so you can understand why he is so determined not to miss matches.

"I’m hungry to play," he said. "And milestones like that don’t come around too often.

"I’ve been playing for England for nearly ten years now. That’s an average of four goals every year so the record could still be a couple of years away taking into consideration fitness and form.

"As for one hundred caps that is another fantastic milestone. If you ask me which one I’d take I’d take the goals. But who knows. If I’m lucky enough I could do both."

Owen is looking forward to renewing his partnership with Wayne Rooney this weekend after the Manchester United striker also returned to fitness.

The duo haven’t played a full game together since England beat Argentina in an amazing friendly match in Geneva before the 2006 World Cup.

Owen said: "I remember that game well, it was one of the highlights of the last few years playing for England. It was more than just a friendly, we beat Argentina 3-2 and it was a great game – I got two and Wayne one.

"But myself and Wayne have played well before that. Obviously people talk about how well Emile Heskey did last month and we have a good partnership, that’s well documented. But me and Wayne have done well together as well.

"In Euro 2004, for instance, when the roles were reversed because he was on fire and scored the goals and I was provider when normally he provides for me.

"But we’ve done well in the past and hopefully that can continue. I’m don’t see any reason why not.

"I don’t think I’ve lost anything since my injuries, if anything I’ve come back and have been scoring more frequently and playing even better.

"Wayne has obviously had a couple of injuries as well but he’s been playing his way back into form in the last few games for Man United as well. Hopefully we have two in-form strikers available to play and do well – if selected."

retired_jesenia

“I’m not at all bothered by what I’ve seen with Robbo. He starts. He is our Peter Schmeichel.

hahahahahaahaha

mattsaunders

he said that? sweet jesus

retired_globalmall

Why is it so laughable? He is </BLOCKQUOTE>

He really isn't. Carson has a great season last year and hasn't made a mistake this year.

retired_tripaige

have some balls ffs and drop him.

mattsaunders

Injured Terry a doubt for England

England captain John Terry has emerged as a doubt for the Euro 2008 qualifiers against Estonia and Russia after picking up a knee problem in training.

The Football Association has confirmed Terry will have a precautionary scan on his knee on Thursday.

Striker Michael Owen will be fit for the double-header despite undergoing stomach surgery in Germany 13 days ago.

Wes Brown has pulled out with injury and Gareth Barry is likely to keep his place despite Frank Lampard's return.

Brown withdrew from the squad on Tuesday with a knee problem and returned to Manchester United for treatment.

Sol Campbell sat out England's training session on Tuesday with an Achilles' problem but returned on Wednesday and Alan Smith (knee) was rested from both days as a precaution.

Strikers Dean Ashton and Andrew Johnson have already been withdrawn from Steve McClaren's squad due to injury.

But Terry will be the major concern for the England coach, after he pulled out of Wednesday's second training session after feeling a twinge in his knee.

McClaren was already considering not playing Terry against Estonia at Wembley because he would be suspended for the Russia game if he got booked.

"Leaving Terry out would be a massive call," conceded McClaren.

"We must look at the bigger picture. We have a few players on bookings and we have to take that into account."

Rio Ferdinand and Ashley Cole are also one caution away from a suspension.

Owen was thought to be a major doubt after surgery in Germany, but he was deemed fit enough to be named as a substitute for Newcastle's Premier League game against Everton on Sunday.

He came off the bench with 16 minutes left and scored and he is confident of being able to play two games in four days.

mattsaunders

ought to rest him anyway if he's got any sense

Ventil

Just got confirmation from work that I can use the Club Wembley seats on Saturday.

Full VIP package here I come!!!

\o/

retired_jessicadon

Why is it so laughable? He is </BLOCKQUOTE>

He really isn't. Carson has a great season last year and hasn't made a mistake this year. </BLOCKQUOTE>

He made a fair few mistakes last year from what i recall. Stating Carson has done well this year and last, doesn't mean Green hasn't done just aswell if not better.

Hardly hilarious for someone to rate Green better. Can't see that much between them really.