Owen keen to return

Michael Owen is keen to make a return to first team action and get back on the scoresheet for Newcastle.

The 27-year-old England international has been sidelined with a knee injury since June 2006 after he collapsed seconds into England's World Cup finals clash with Sweden.

But Owen is now well on the road to recovery and scored in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Gretna on Tuesday.

He and fellow striker Shola Ameobi, who also netted in the friendly after making a comeback from hip surgery, will not however, feature in boss Glenn Roeder's squad for Saturday's match at Portsmouth.

Owen had targeted a return in next Sunday's match against Chelsea at St James' Park but he is not going to rush after making a massive step towards resuming his career.

Owen told the club's website: "I felt really sharp, but to be honest, I always felt I would be.

"It was great to be out there and good to score, although I suppose it was not what people would call a typical Michael Owen goal.

"I have been through a lot with Shola Ameobi in recent months and it was super to see him score as well on Tuesday.

"Now I cannot wait to start scoring goals again for Newcastle."