As England prepare for their crucial Euro 2008 qualifying match on a plastic pitch in Russia, Michael Owen admitted that playing on hard surfaces has contributed to his recent injury problems.
Big Sam has not been able to give Owen 90 minutes since the striker last played for England, but the ex-Liverpool player is determined to play for his country in both fixtures. Even though the Russian pitch is sure to take it out on him.
Owen: "My injury was wear-and-tear - you go out on hard pitches every day and it takes its toll. But it's much stronger than when I went in for surgery. Even when it feels a bit tight you just plough through it.
The Venue That Could Halt Owen's Toon Career!
"I will listen to my surgeon [Ulrike Muschaweck] and not anyone else because she knows what she is talking about.
"It's feeling good and I'm available for both teams I represent. I don't see why I can't play against Estonia. The surgeon tells me you can't go wrong in terms of the operation.
"It's feeling good and I'm available for both teams I represent. I don't see why I can't play against Estonia. The surgeon tells me you can't go wrong in terms of the operation.
"Hopefully eight days is a record. I've talked to Alan Shearer and he got back in 12 days from his operation.
"It's open surgery but you can get back quickly as long as you can manage the pain.
"I don't see why there was any risk in me playing Everton.
"I want to get back and play for Newcastle and it shows a lot of determination on my part to want to get back out there.
"I know the manager says I did it in the last internationals but I was playing in pain before then. I have been pushing myself through a lot of pain for about six weeks - even before the last two internationals.
"I didn't have any option but to have the operations. When I played Derby a couple of weeks ago I felt it badly and then in the following game I realised I didn't have any option but to get it done."
One thing is certain. If Owen DOES play the full 90 minutes in both games, then returns injured ... as he has done more than once ... the paint will be stripped off the manager's walls when Owen gets the call.