Owen Wants England Place Back

Last updated : 01 May 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor

Owen: "You'll have to ask Steve McClaren. I'm hopefully going to fine to be playing in the last two games (this season) for Newcastle and then it's down to whether Steve McClaren picks me.

"And if I'm fit and playing for Newcastle, obviously I'd jump at the chance to play for my country. Its a fantastic honour.

"When you have an injury like this you get to start again, you get a clean sheet of paper. We've built up everything, I weigh a stone heavier now than when I got injured and none of it is fat.

"Now you get to start over again. I feel a massive difference from when I last played, I feel as though I can use my body and be strong and win a lot of headers. I felt a different type of player. I felt really well.

"I spent time with the rest of the lads and that kept me involved with the squad but it is a long, lonely road back to fitness.

"You think about it and it's going to be even longer so you try to get on with your life and try to enjoy time with your family but you are always looking for a return date and thankfully I've played a game now.

"The plan was to play an hour but the game went against us. We had a couple of injuries and we needed a goal. But the physio working with me has always said 'don't come on as a sub, get on and play, you can play 90 minutes now.'

"It's been a long season for all the players and I'm probably fitter than most of the lads in our dressing room."