Michael Owen To Drive Team Bus?
"I will sit down and talk with him and he has to be a main driver in the decision.
"We'll wait and see and let Birmingham think about whether or not Michael is going to start or be on the bench, but I would like to think he will play a big part in the game.
"Watching him train on Tuesday reminded me of how good he is. He's got fantastic movement and doesn't need many chances to tuck away the goals.
"At this stage, I'm very hopeful. He was delighted to be included in the squad last week, even though he knew he was not going to be involved.
"He hadn't quite done enough, but I wanted Michael to come down to the dressing room before the game, and it was great for the other players to see him.
"And it was good for Michael to be involved in the real situation again - plus he has a good fitness session on the pitch at St James' Park and he was happy with himself when he came back in.
"I've been training since Monday and it has been really good, much better than I thought.
"I was worried that I would have a bit of pain the more I played, but it has been great.
"I haven't spoken to the manager in detail yet, but I think it would be sensible, after being out for just under five months, to gradually give me maybe 20 minutes on Saturday and then more in the next game."