Owen Told 'Newcastle Comes Before England'!

Last updated : 31 March 2009 By Footy Mad - Editor

Fabio Capello explained that it was "impossible to choose a player that had only played 20 minutes in his last game" because he was "dropped" for Newcastle's home defeat to Arsenal.

Chris Hughton: "From a strictly personal and selfish view it has been good to have him here.

"He has been able to put in good sessions and it's been great.

"I have no thoughts at all about anyone's comments outside of this club. What we are doing about our players here is only a concern for us.

"The main thing is Newcastle United. He is a Newcastle United player and any comments from outside are strictly their opinions.

"Any decision that I have to make is based solely on what we have here and there are certainly no outside influences.

"Michael is focused on getting on with the job in hand.

"He is just back from six weeks out through injury and Michael will want to get back to his full fitness levels.

"He has been concentrating on doing the best he can because it's the tough end of the season now and it's all about what part he can play."