Owen Doubt For Derby!

Last updated : 19 October 2005 By Footy Mad - Editor

The England international limped out of a full scale practice match at the club's training ground yesterday, forcing manager Graeme Souness to pull fellow striker Shola Ameobi out of last night's reserve game at Birmingham City as a precaution. And Owen's participation in his first north east derby is now in doubt, with the Magpies fearing the hamstring problem he suffered could rule him out.

Owen has been troubled by hamstring problems in the past, while Souness has seen his midfield decimated by the same type of injury already this season. The 25-year-old former Liverpool and Read Madrid man came off after only 20 minutes yesterday, while goalkeeper Steve Harper also picked up an injury and was replaced in goal by third choice Tony Caig.
Souness had believed there was "light at the end of the tunnel" this week, with Emre having returned against Wigan Athletic and Nolberto Solano poised to make his second Newcastle debut against Sunderland.

The practice match had been designed to top up Emre and Solano's fitness levels ahead of Sunday, and the pair came through with no problems.