Owen only recently made his comeback from a knee ligament injury sustained at last summer's World Cup but McClaren insisted: 'He hasn't played a full game this season, so it's a chance to give him minutes.'
Owen made his international comeback against Brazil in June which he followed days later with a goal in England's vital Euro 2008 qualification victory over Estonia.
Clemence: 'Steve (McClaren) would not play someone who was a risk.
'We've assessed his fitness, he hasn't played as much football as he'd like but Michael Owen is a proven goalscorer.
'He showed at the back end of last season in the three games (that) he's got his appetite back, he scored against Estonia, and is a big plus for the squad.'
'They (Owen and Smith) will probably start tonight but no-one knows who will be fit and what will happen for the next few home games.
'We've got a number of injuries but it gives others opportunities to show Steve what they are capable of and puts thoughts in Steve's head.'